Michigan State University's vision for the Veterinary College of the Future took an important step forward on October 30, when the Board of Trustees approved the University's State Fiscal Year 2028 Capital Outlay Project Request and Five-Year Capital Plan, identifying a new large animal teaching hospital as a top institutional priority for state infrastructure planning.
The proposed hospital is part of a broader initiative to reimagine the College's clinical, educational, and research facilities to meet the evolving needs of veterinary medicine. A comprehensive plan for the entire College is expected to be shared in early 2027.
"This is an incredibly exciting moment for our College and for veterinary medicine in Michigan," says Kimberly Dodd, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. "As the state's only veterinary college, our responsibility extends far beyond East Lansing. We train each generation of veterinary professionals who serve communities across Michigan, support industries essential to our state's economy, and perform innovative research to advance animal and human health. We're thinking well beyond replacing aging buildings; we're reimagining how we fulfill that mission for the next 50 years and beyond."
The initiative reflects broad collaboration across the College and University, with support from alumni, industry partners, and friends of the College.
"Our faculty, staff, and students have brought great ideas and enthusiasm to this effort," Dodd says. "I'm especially grateful to the friends of our College who care so deeply about our success. Their generosity and belief in what we can accomplish have made this planning possible, and it means a great deal to have their support as we build this vision together."
Meeting Michigan's Evolving Needs
Built in 1965, MSU's large animal hospital has trained generations of veterinary professionals while caring for hundreds of thousands of animals. In that time, advances in medicine, technology, and teaching have transformed the profession, creating opportunities for modern clinical facilities that better support students, patients, and veterinary care teams.
A new hospital would strengthen MSU's ability to serve Michigan's livestock and equine industries, support agricultural producers and rural communities, and prepare graduates for an increasingly complex profession. It would also help address the national shortage of large animal veterinarians.
"As an animal lover and staunch supporter of MSU's rich agricultural and land-grant roots, a modernized teaching hospital will position the University to better meet the evolving academic and clinical needs of veterinary medicine while strengthening our efforts to address a national shortage of large animal veterinarians," says Board Chair Brianna Scott. "The returns on this investment will be felt statewide for generations through the education of future Spartan veterinarians, advancements in animal health, and support for Michigan's agricultural industry."
A Vision for the Entire College
The Veterinary College of the Future initiative extends beyond the large animal hospital to include new and modernized small animal clinical facilities, innovative teaching and simulation spaces, and research environments that support discovery and collaboration.
Working with faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and planning experts, the College is developing a comprehensive vision to guide its future. While the Board's action advances the large animal hospital as a state funding priority, additional funding and approvals will be required before construction can begin.
"This is about so much more than buildings," Dodd says. "It's about investing in Michigan's future, ensuring our students are prepared for the profession, our faculty and veterinary care teams have the tools to do their best work, and we can continue serving the animals, people, and communities that depend on us. I'm excited to share more about what we're planning in early 2027."