(MURRAY, Ky.) — Murray State University marked a major milestone in its growing veterinary medicine program Tuesday, breaking ground on a new 88,000-square-foot Veterinary Sciences building on the university’s West Farm.
The ceremony, held April 22, drew campus officials and community members to celebrate the start of construction on a facility funded by $60 million allocated in Kentucky’s 2024 state biennium budget.
The one-story building will feature classrooms, laboratories, offices, support spaces and common areas designed for student collaboration. Construction is expected to take approximately 24 months.
University President Dr. Ron K. Patterson called the project a milestone for both students and the profession.
“Today’s groundbreaking represents our commitment to advancing veterinary science, supporting animal health, and preparing the next generation of compassionate, skilled professionals,” Patterson said. “We are building more than a facility — we are building opportunities for our students while helping shape the future of veterinary medicine.”
The building will serve undergraduate students in Veterinary Technology and Pre-Veterinary Medicine, as well as future students in Murray State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, which is working toward accreditation to offer a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
Murray State already leads Kentucky in pre-veterinary medicine and veterinary technology enrollment, and its veterinary technology program is one of only three in the state fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Laura Ken Hoffman said the new facility reflects years of work by many supporters.
“This new learning space will educate hundreds of students over the years, as we prepare graduates to become practicing veterinarians and leaders in animal health,” Hoffman said. “This groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of exciting times for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and surrounding regions.”
The university is currently pursuing AVMA Council on Education accreditation for its College of Veterinary Medicine program. More information is available at murraystate.edu/vetmedicine.
Photo/Rendering: The Murray State University campus and broader community participated in a special groundbreaking event for the University’s new Veterinary Sciences building on April 22.
