Purdue Vet School to Expand Class Sizes by 50%

Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine is planning its largest class expansion in more than a decade, aiming to increase enrollment by nearly 50%. The veterinary program has held steady at about 80 students per class over the past ten years, but university leaders say the expansion is part of a broader effort to strengthen the college's national standing.

The Journal and Courier reports that Dean Bret Marsh recently told Purdue trustees he wants the College of Veterinary Medicine to become a top-five veterinary school in the nation.  The program is currently tied for 13th in the U.S. News & World Report rankings.  Marsh said details of the expansion are still being developed, with the university focused on ensuring it has the classrooms, clinical facilities, faculty, and administrative support needed before adding more students. 

The move comes as demand for veterinarians continues to grow, particularly in food animal medicine and rural communities that serve livestock producers.

Washington State University is also looking at how to address the shortage of large animal veterinarians.  Click Here for our story and In Depth interview with WSU's Dr. Dori Borjesson.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com