While many colleges and universities across the country are cutting programs and even shuttering their doors, Utah State University has some good news to share. The school is breaking ground on a new veterinary college, slated to be the first in Utah’s history.
It’s an exciting development, not just for students interested in studying animal health, but also for the region itself. There’s a veterinarian shortage in Utah, and the new college aspires to fill the gap. Before, students who wanted to major in the field would start their studies at USU, but then have to transfer to Washington State University to complete the degree.
Former Utah House of Representatives member John Mathis, who spearheaded the program, said “I had promised myself that if I was ever in a position where I could help Utah kids follow their dream, and not have to leave home so far and not be under such circumstance to have to make those choices, that I would do that. This is just the beginning step. Come back in 20 years, and see what this has led to and you’ll be amazed.”
For Mathis, the new college is personal. His father always wanted to become a veterinarian but was unable to because there was no suitable school nearby.
“We have a medical school, amazing business schools, and law, but there has always been a piece missing, and it didn’t make sense. Now we are finally closing that gap,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, who attended the university.
The $77 million state-funded facility will open in 2026.
Utah State University has been ranked among some of the nation’s best public schools by U.S. News & World Report. Here at CVO, we featured the school in our ranking of the 10 Cheapest State Universities for Online Bachelor’s Degrees.
Source: KSL.com—USU Breaks Ground for State’s First Veterinary College
Related: 10 Best Bachelor’s in Animal Behavior Programs