Dr. Dean Gibbons brings three decades of experience as a practicing veterinarian to his teaching of the Animal Physiology course in the Department of Biology.  He also is among the biology professors who teach Human Physiology, and he has served as a lab instructor for Human Physiology and for General Biology. He began teaching at Hope College in 2023.

Dr. Gibbons practiced veterinary medicine for more than 30 years in Fowlerville, Michigan (east of Lansing). His initial focus was large animal medicine and surgery, and education of dairy farmers in herd health management and nutrition. Later, he specialized in the care of horses. He mentored veterinary school students during their  clinical rotations and was involved with 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) projects in his region.

Dr. Gibbons has also engaged in a variety of research. As a technician at Abbott Laboratories prior to his veterinary training, he was involved in research that tested compounds to treat hypertension. At Michigan State University and Loyola School of Medicine he did research on the effects of shock on the heart and cardiovascular system. 

Areas of Expertise

• Animal physiology
• Human physiology
• Equine physiology 

Education

• DVM, veterinary medicine, Michigan State University, 1991
• B.A., chemistry, Michigan State University, 1980

Outside the College

Dr. Gibbons enjoys skiing, cycling and creating stained glass art. His three sons all are Hope graduates.