The University of Vermont’s Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is pleased to announce Dr. Joshua Woolsey as the new University Veterinarian and director of the Office of Animal Care Management (OACM). Woolsey brings a wealth of experience to the role, and UVM’s researchers and investigators are enthusiastic about the vision and energy he will bring to the university’s research enterprise.

At the same time, the OVPR marks the bittersweet transition as Dr. Ida Washington retires after years of dedicated leadership and service. Washington’s contributions have shaped OACM into the strong and collaborative office it is today, and her impact will be felt for years to come. The OVPR is deeply appreciative of Washington’s years of leadership and will truly miss their presence on the team while we celebrate their remarkable legacy and wish them the very best in this next chapter.

“I am very excited to take on this important role,” Woolsey said. “Although the job of Director is challenging, I feel that Ida has prepared me well for this transition. I am very grateful for her mentorship over the past few years. I am also lucky to have the support of an experienced and professional staff in OACM as well as knowledgeable colleagues in the Research Protections Office.”

Washington began her tenure as University Veterinarian and OACM director in early 2020, succeeding her good friend and colleague Dr. Ruth Blauweikel. She retired in December 2025.

“Shortly after my start at UVM, we successfully navigated the COVID 19 pandemic and its impact on research and animal care. I am proud of my team in OACM for maintaining excellent and continuous service to the research community during that period,” Washington said. “My proudest achievement during my tenure at UVM was the addition in 2022 of the three main farms (Equine Center, UVM Dairy, and Morgan Horse Farm) to the UVM AAALAC International accreditation. I was fortunate to work with an outstanding leadership team in OACM, including Associate Director John Lovelette, Associate Attending Veterinarian Josh Woolsey, and Facility Manager Karrie Lahue. I also appreciated and benefited from the guidance and collegiality of Vice President for Research Dr. Kirk Dombrowski. I will miss the friendship and interactions with UVM researchers and staff. UVM is a special place.”

In retirement, Washington will be based in Seattle, assisting with her husband’s care. She has started working as a relief veterinarian in small animal practices in the Seattle area, and she will continue to consult in laboratory animal medicine as opportunities arise. She will still have one foot in Vermont, she said, at her property in Weybridge.