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Clemson University's first $285 million vet school in South Carolina begins construction, aiming to address the state's vet shortage. The Peeler College of Veterinary Medicine will offer a comprehensive curriculum, integrated with existing programs to train ready-to-serve veterinarians for graduation in 2030.
Tue January 21, 2025 - Southeast Edition
Work has gotten under way on the first college of veterinary medicine in South Carolina, the $285 million Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University.
The facility will be across from Clemson's Equine Center on West Queen Street in the nearby community of Pendleton, adjacent to the Clemson Experimental Forest.
University officials told the Greenville News that demand for veterinary services is growing in the Palmetto State.
Frannie Wilson, the Equine Center's assistant manager, told the newspaper that she was "excited they are building a vet school across the street. South Carolina doesn't have a college of vet medicine, so it's neat that we will be the first one in the state. [We're] looking forward to the future [and] hoping it will bring more vets to the area."
The new school will be named after Gaffney, S.C., native Harvey S. Peeler, a 1970 Clemson graduate who has served as a senator in the state's General Assembly since 1980.
"Senator Peeler has passionately supported the development of a college of veterinary medicine for more than 20 years," noted Clemson Board Chair Kim Wilkerson in a statement. "His efforts throughout the process have been instrumental in developing this upcoming college at Clemson. In recognition of his contributions to this historic development for Clemson and the entire state, our board is excited to name this newly founded college in his honor."
Peeler, a longtime dairy farmer, explained that the reason for his support of the vet school "is not just about education, [but] about taking care of our animals, supporting our farmers, growing our economy and filling the need for veterinarians in South Carolina."
Additionally, university officials and veterinary experts are collaborating to ensure that the design meets the specific needs of veterinary education and training.
Clemson's College of Veterinary Medicine project is overseen by a team of architects and construction managers specializing in educational facilities, including:
The facility is expected to be ready for occupancy in the third quarter of 2026, which aligns with the college's scheduled class enrollment date.
Clemson held a groundbreaking for the project in late November where the Greenville News learned that the vet school complex will encompass six buildings designed to provide students with spaces for collaboration, hands-on learning, and personal growth.
It also will include a clinical teaching building, a research facility and an ambulatory service building. To provide specialized training and education, other dedicated Equine and Farm Animal Teaching spaces also are planned.
According to Clemson University, a third of the counties in South Carolina have fewer than five veterinarians. Additionally, 48 percent of its counties have fewer than 10 veterinarians.
This shortage has driven the need for a new, dedicated educational institution, the university noted.
Its investment in the Peeler College of Veterinary Medicine aims to address this demand by training the next generation of veterinarians to serve the local community and beyond.
While qualified candidates apply to veterinary schools, Clemson noted that 500 to 1,000 are not admitted due to capacity shortages at other existing colleges. To alleviate the problem as best it can, the Clemson plans to accommodate a sizable number of students.
Pending approval from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, Clemson's first veterinary students will be enrolled into the school prior to the Fall 2026 semester. Upon receiving accreditation, the college anticipates that its first class of new veterinarians will graduate in 2030.
The Peeler College of Veterinary Medicine also plans to integrate Clemson's existing animal health programs and infrastructure to enhance its curriculum and training. This increased capacity will provide opportunities for more aspiring veterinarians to receive essential education and hands-on training, the Greenville News noted.
Steven Marks, the vet school's founding director, emphasized the importance of preparing graduates to serve on their first day as veterinarians.
"Our goal is to create ready-to-serve veterinarians to serve communities around South Carolina," he told the News.
The Peeler College of Veterinary Medicine will offer a comprehensive four-year curriculum, according to Clemson officials, designed to equip students with a solid veterinary science foundation and a focus on clinical and professional skills.
The first three years of the curriculum will be conducted on the newly constructed campus, while the fourth year will allow students to become part of their communities through clinical clerkships.
Students will experience and learn from a wide array of professionals in everything from general practice to various specialties to zoo medicine. The new facilities also will enable them to gain firsthand experience and engage in cutting-edge research throughout their education.
Steven Marks, the vet school's founding director, emphasized the importance of preparing graduates to serve on their first day as veterinarians.
"Our goal is to create ready-to-serve veterinarians to serve communities around South Carolina," he told the News.