By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Editor
Despite news Texas Tech University put its plans for a veterinary school on hold, state legislators have not given up. The state budget passed over the weekend includes $4.1 million to open the vet school in Amarillo.
After the budget passed the House and Senate, West Texas legislators cheered the inclusion of the funding.
“Rural Texas depends on agriculture as an economic driver, and the lack of large animal veterinarians in Texas can have a devastating effect on our communities. The inclusion of $4.1 million in the state budget to establish a veterinary school at Texas Tech University will go a long way in addressing this need,” they wrote. “The overwhelming support for the funding of a veterinary school at Texas Tech University goes to show that both chambers and both political parties understand how important this is to rural Texas. This school will ensure students receive high quality veterinary skills and education for large animal practice in high need areas.”
The letter was signed by Sen. Charles Perry, Rep. Dustin Burrows, Rep. John Frullo and Rep. John T. Smithee.
The university announced its intent to develop a veterinary school and veterinary medicine doctoral program in late 2015 in response to student demand and a need for more veterinarians in rural areas.
At the time, the university’s chancellor said the vision goes beyond simply establishing a veterinary school. They hoped to “transform the landscape of veterinary medicine education and provide innovative solutions for the industry’s future.”
Texas Tech chose Amarillo for the school’s location because it is the heart of the country’s livestock production area. Tech also has a campus in Amarillo that would serve as an ideal location for the initiative.
After the announcement, the city of Amarillo agreed to contribute $15 million to help Texas Tech open the veterinary school in the area.
A month before the legislature convened in January 2017, Texas Tech University spokesman Brett Ashworth told the Texas Tribune plans for the school were on hold.
If the school decides to move forward with its plan, it will likely need approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Last year, the board questioned whether another veterinary school is needed in Texas. Tech officials responded that they’re trying to create a new model and would focus on bringing vets to rural areas, according to the Texas Tribune.
Currently, the only veterinary school in the state is at Texas A&M University.