Proposed veterinary school at Murray State moving closer to reality

It's been more than 50 years in the making and a proposed veterinary school at Murray State University is one step closer to reality.

According to a news release from the school Friday, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education voted Friday to approve Murray State University’s proposal to start a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

Murray State will next seek provisional accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association’s  Council on Education. If successful, MSU would be the first public university in Kentucky to offer a veterinary program with the first students possibly being admitted as early as fall 2028.

Dr. Laura Ken Hoffman, who was chosen last fall to be the founding dean of the future vet school, said Murray State's proposed DVM program was developed to address the shortage of veterinarians in Kentucky and surrounding areas by focusing on recruiting students who want to work in underserved, rural areas.

Murray State University President Dr. Ron Patterson said: "This is a significant step for Murray State University, but more importantly, for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, so we're truly grateful for this opportunity. And please know that we accept the challenge and we're excited  to start this endeavor with Dr. Laura Ken Hoffman."

“So, on behalf of my Board of Regents, past and present, my predecessor, Dr. Bob Jackson, and our leadership team, our Murray State University faculty and staff and students, and then, again, our West Kentucky delegation and the General Assembly. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We're truly grateful for this opportunity.”