At the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, we take pride in our high-Quality education, groundbreaking research, clinical excellence, and strong history of protecting our community. But what truly sets us apart is our drive to do more, to constantly break down walls and exceed expectations.

One of the most pressing challenges in our industry is the veterinary student debt crisis. This year, the College embarked on the creation of a new DVM curriculum. In addition to keeping our curriculum on the leading edge of veterinary education, it is being designed to include features that offer a means to counteract the financial burden facing many of our students. This curriculum will provide our students with more options and flexibility. These features may help save our students money by allowing them to finish their education sooner or by reducing living expenses during some externships.

This year, we also premiered a new Primary Care Private Practice Externship. It allows students to complete up to two primary care rotations, one of which may be off-campus. The option to work at veterinary practices offers students the chance to hone basic skills and help them become day-one, career-ready graduates, which may increase the value of their education and possibly augment their starting salaries and their appeal to employers.

Our Curriculum Reinvention also will focus on student wellness. With mental health and other stress-related issues on the rise, a curriculum that offers more flexibility may contribute to better student wellbeing. We are fortunate to have Dr. Chiarina Owens, the College’s psychologist, as part of our student wellness team. She is working to offer students ways to cope with stress, sleep deprivation, and other mental health concerns by learning how to change their thought patterns.

Another component of improved student wellness that also addresses the debt crisis is the increase of scholarship funding available to our students. This year, the College awarded more than $1.3 million in scholarships—our highest amount to date. I am proud of this achievement because it eases the financial burden of our students while confirming the dedication and support of our donors. We will be able to provide even more support next year.

With important progress like this, it’s no wonder that the College is a top-choice for future veterinary students. Educational data specialists Quacquarelli Symonds have rated the top 50 veterinary medical schools globally. MSU rose 3 places in the last year, moving from number 15 to number 12 in global rankings, and ranked number 5 among US colleges. We also retained our number 1 spot in the Big Ten. In this issue of Perspectives Magazine, you can read more about the details of our plans and the fruitful results we’re already experiencing. The progress we have made this year as a College shows the strength and boldness with which we pursue our goals. Our purposeful efforts improve the lives of our students, and ultimately, our community as we continue on our mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, and Protect.