By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Texas Tech University broke ground today on the state’s second veterinary school.

“This groundbreaking celebrates an achievement that symbolizes the best of what can result from cooperation that captures the synergies between education, city and state government, industry and individuals of exceptional vision and generosity,” Dr. Lawrence Schovanec, Texas Tech president, said.

The facility will be named the School of Veterinary Medicine Amarillo Campus. It will be located on the north side of the existing Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) in Amarillo.

An additional large-animal facility, the School of Veterinary Medicine Mariposa Station, will be located two miles away.

“Because of the support of so many, the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine will be able to provide students greater access to affordable and innovative education that will prepare them to serve the people of our state, especially those in rural areas, and the large-animal industry that is so important to the state and especially West Texas,” Schovanec said.

Texas Tech’s model for the veterinary school eliminates the need for a costly teaching hospital, and instead, partners with the community of veterinary practices across the state to provide clinical learning through collaboration.

In June, Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law the state budget, which allocated $17.35 million to address operational needs for the vet school, including recruiting faculty and curriculum design and development.

Donors and civic leaders pledged $90 million toward infrastructure and construction of the new veterinary school.

According to university officials, the school anticipates opening in fall 2021 with a target enrollment of 60 students.

Texas Tech is awaiting accreditation from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The proposal was submitted in February.

“From the beginning, our vision for the veterinary school has been to answer the needs of an underserved region and industry and to provide affordable higher education to citizens of Texas,” said Dr. Tedd L. Mitchell, chancellor of the Texas Tech University System and TTUHSC president.

Click here to watch today’s groundbreaking ceremony and events.