A proposed bill has been submitted to the Kentucky House of Representatives that could result in the establishment of a veterinary medicine school at Murray State University.
House Bill 400, introduced by Richard Heath, Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, on Monday has garnered support from 52 co-sponsors and includes the necessary provisions for the authorization of a School of Veterinary Medicine.
Murray State University’s Hutson School of Agriculture currently boasts the highest enrollment in pre-veterinary medicine and veterinary technology among all universities in Kentucky. Additionally, it is one of only three programs in the state that is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Bob Jackson, President of Murray State University, expressed gratitude to legislators, governmental entities, communities, industry representatives, organizations, and individuals for their support in establishing a new School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Brian Parr, Dean of the Hutson School of Agriculture, highlighted the school’s history of preparing students for successful careers, including those in the veterinary field. He emphasized that the development of a new School of Veterinary Medicine is a logical progression to meet the needs of students and address the statewide shortage of veterinarians. Dr. Parr expressed appreciation for the individuals who have played a crucial role in supporting and participating in this initiative.
In August, the Murray State University Board of Regents passed a resolution in support of creating a task force and conducting a feasibility study to address the shortage of veterinarians in the state and work towards establishing a veterinary medicine school at Murray State.
Currently, Kentucky does not have a School of Veterinary Medicine, resulting in approximately 70 Kentucky students being accepted into out-of-state veterinary schools each year. In the United States, there are only 32 veterinary colleges accredited by the AVMA.