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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Helen Diggs, a nationally recognized leader in veterinary medicine and animal welfare, has been appointed attending veterinarian for Oregon State University and director of the university's Laboratory Animal Resources Center.

The attending veterinarian has ultimate responsibility for care of all animals involved in university research or teaching projects, and the Laboratory Animal Resources Center oversees the care of many animal species, from tadpoles to swine.

"Dr. Diggs' experience, knowledge and national reputation make her an excellent choice for this critical leadership position," said Rick Spinrad, OSU vice president for research.

Since 2008, Diggs has been director of the Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital at OSU, as well as associate dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Her research interests include zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted between animals to humans. She earned her doctorate of veterinary medicine from OSU.

Diggs will begin the new position in September, and one of her first tasks will be overseeing the university's evaluation for adherence to federal regulations to ensure the humane treatment of animals for research, education and testing.