The University of Nevada, Reno is proposing a College of Veterinary Medicine.
The Nevada System of Higher Education Academic, Research and Student Affairs Committee discussed the proposal during its March 5 meeting, after publication deadline.
If approved, a feasibility study would follow soon. UNR says students often leave Nevada to pursue veterinary medicine, which is an integral part of rural and agricultural services throughout the state.
The presentation notes Nevada currently does not have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. Notably, Roseman University is working on a private veterinary college. It also cites the importance of veterinarians in public health, food safety and biosecurity.
It goes on to say UNR owns the land necessary to develop a veterinary school, although it does not specify a location. Capital needs currently encompass facilities and equipment. Funding will be obtained via a mixture of state investment, philanthropy, tuition and research support. Cost estimates have yet to be finalized.
Next steps include continuing the feasibility analysis, developing facility concepts and creating a more robust funding strategy.
If the plans are approved, the school would still be years from opening. The Thursday presentation was entirely informational. Accreditation could come as early as 2028.
