About
ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
Clemson University’s College of Veterinary Medicine will be the first in South Carolina. Upon accreditation, the College of Veterinary Medicine will leverage the University’s existing animal health programs and infrastructure to create a veterinary medicine workforce to fill a statewide shortage of veterinarians.
Timeline and Background
January 2023 – A feasibility study released to support the development of the new college found:
- 33% of South Carolina counties have fewer than five veterinarians.
- 48% of the state’s counties have fewer than 10 veterinarians.
- Nearly 200 South Carolina students were actively enrolled at 13 veterinary colleges outside the state (2022).
March 2023 – A search began for the founding dean of College of Veterinary Medicine.
June 2023 – The Board of Trustees officially approved the development of the new College of Veterinary Medicine. The University’s strategy positions Clemson as a national leader in veterinary education and research while supporting the University’s land grant mission.
The approval followed the completion of the FY24 state budget that included landmark funding to develop the new college and significant support from the state of South Carolina.
July 2023 – Clemson University named Dr. Steven Marks founding dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
