In 2025, Arkansas is set to make significant strides in the field of veterinary medicine with two new veterinary schools. Lyon College and Arkansas State University are breaking ground on multimillion-dollar facilities, aiming to train future veterinarians locally.
Filling a Critical Gap in Veterinary Education
Arkansas has long been one of the 22 states without an accredited veterinary school, forcing prospective veterinarians to travel out of state to pursue their education. This often results in talented students remaining in other states, limiting the number of veterinary professionals who return home to serve Arkansas’ communities.
The new schools at Lyon College and Arkansas State University (ASU) are poised to change this. Dr. Eleanor Green, the founding dean of Lyon College’s School of Veterinary Medicine, highlighted the impact that having a local veterinary school could have on both students and the state’s animal health care system. With veterinary programs at Lyon College and ASU, students will no longer need to leave Arkansas to pursue their dreams, which could also encourage more professionals to return to the state after graduation.
Both institutions plan to welcome their first cohort of students in fall 2026, with each institution hoping to enroll around 120 students per year, pending accreditation. The schools are expected to offer world-class training and open new opportunities for residents pursuing careers in veterinary care.
Addressing Arkansas’ Veterinary Shortage
The need for these veterinary programs is urgent, particularly in rural areas of the state. Arkansas currently faces a shortage of veterinarians in certain regions, with 10 counties lacking any veterinarians. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture reports that of the 1,183 veterinarians licensed in the state, 728 are local to Arkansas.
Dean Heidi Banse of Arkansas State University explained the necessity of establishing a College of Veterinary Medicine in the state. “Arkansas is underserved in terms of animal health needs,” Banse said. Many of the counties experiencing the shortage are rural and agricultural, where access to veterinary care is crucial for both public health and the wellbeing of the state’s livestock.
With the state’s growing demand for veterinary services, these new schools aim to bridge the gap and provide a steady stream of highly trained professionals who are familiar with the unique needs of Arkansas’ communities.
The Path Forward: A Strong Focus on Local Needs
As both Lyon College and Arkansas State University embark on this ambitious project, there’s an emphasis on creating programs tailored to the specific needs of Arkansas. Both schools will work to build relationships with local veterinarians and farmers to ensure that their programs are responsive to the state’s unique agricultural needs.
This collaboration could significantly enhance the overall veterinary landscape in Arkansas. These programs will also focus on increasing access to veterinary care for underserved populations. The goal is not just to produce more veterinarians, but to ensure that they are well-prepared to serve rural and underserved areas of the state.
In addition to the direct educational benefits, the creation of these veterinary schools is expected to provide an economic boost to the state. The new facilities will create jobs and encourage partnerships between local businesses, veterinary clinics, and the schools themselves.
Arkansas’ veterinary education expansion is a win for both future students and the entire state, helping to address a critical shortage of professionals and ensuring that residents have better access to high-quality animal care.
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