Lyon College Reveals Designs for Veterinary College in Cabot

A rendering of the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine in Cabot (WDD Architects rendering provided by Lyon College)

Lyon College on Monday unveiled architectural renderings for its School of Veterinary Medicine in Cabot, one of two veterinary schools scheduled to open next year in Arkansas.

The campus will also be home to Cabot Animal Support Services. An agreement between the city and Lyon College calls for a facility that integrates academic training with community-based animal services.

Groundbreaking is set for this spring. WDD Architects of North Little Rock is the designer and Baldwin & Shell Construction Co. of Little Rock is the construction manager.

Arkansas does not currently have a veterinary college.

Lyon College expects to begin classes in fall 2026, pending accreditation by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Lyon College hosted council members for a site visit in November 2023 and is waiting for a comprehensive review to be scheduled.

Lyon College is a private liberal arts college in Batesville. The veterinary school in Cabot plans to admit 120 students annually.

Arkansas State University in Jonesboro also plans to open a veterinary school in fall 2026, pending accreditation.

“Lyon College is proud to work with the City of Cabot to bring this visionary project to life,” Lyon College President Melissa Taverner said in a news release. “The School of Veterinary Medicine will prepare students to address critical needs in their communities while advancing the veterinary profession. We’re particularly inspired by the enthusiasm of our current and future Pre-Veterinary and Animal Sciences students at Lyon College, who represent the bright future of this field.”

Dr. Eleanor Green, founding dean of the veterinary school, said the program will be committed to innovation and community engagement.

“The Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine will combine academic excellence with real-world experience to create a model for veterinary training,” Green said. “By partnering with Cabot, we’re building a program that will benefit both students and the community.”

Designs for the veterinary school were revealed the same day that Lyon College announced it had received initial accreditation for the state’s first dental school. Classes are expected to begin in Little Rock in June.