This article was writtten by Ashley Butler with KATV, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Arkansas State University and Lyon College are both in the accreditation process of adopting the first-ever veterinary schools in the state.
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According to veterinarians.org, Arkansas had the fewest veterinarians per capita in the nation in 2022.
This will be a full-fledged, fully accredited, college of veterinary medicine,” said Glen Hoffsis, founding dean of Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “It will join the family of U.S. veterinary schools.
There are currently only 32 veterinary medical schools in the United States.
ASU is also planning to add up to 40 new faculty and staff positions dedicated to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree Program.
“There will be a higher number of the total graduates that will stay within the state and if that holds true, we’ll have a significant impact in the access to veterinary care in the state of Arkansas,” said Hoffsis.
Lyon College is planning to open its vet school in the fall of 2025, while ASU is planning to open its vet school in the fall of 2026.
