The Arkansas State University System board of trustees on Friday voted to approve the creation of a veterinary college in Jonesboro.
The approval is the first of many needed for the project, which officially resumed in January after being delayed by the pandemic.
A-State is working to fully develop the veterinary college's curriculum with the Graduate Council, its governing body for graduate programs. It will then file a proposal with the Arkansas Division of Higher Education and seek accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
The “optimistic goal” for opening the college is fall 2025, Chancellor Todd Shields said in a news release. Initial equipment and facility investment costs have been estimated at $15 million. An initial cohort of 120 students is expected.
A-State's veterinary school is one of two in development in Arkansas. Lyon College has received initial approval from the Higher Learning Commission to offer a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
The ASU System on Friday also approved an $8 million project to build a new nursing building at ASU Three Rivers in Malvern. The project, funded by a federal grant, will provide room for more students and new programs.
The 20,000-SF building is expected to be completed by summer 2024.
