Source: KATV ABC 7
Arkansas State University and Lyon College are embarking on establishing the first Veterinary schools in Arkansas, aiming to address the state’s shortage of veterinarians. With Arkansas having the fewest vets per capita in the U.S., these initiatives respond to a national shortage projected to worsen by 2030. ASU’s College of Veterinary Medicine will offer a four-year program emphasizing science and biology, intending to retain more graduates in-state and boost access to Veterinary care.
ASU plans to hire additional faculty and staff to support its Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree Program. Lyon College aims to open its Veterinary school in 2025, while ASU plans for a 2026 launch. The move is expected to curb the outflow of 42 students annually leaving Arkansas for Veterinary studies, potentially bolstering the state’s workforce and enhancing its healthcare infrastructure.