Clemson University's Veterinary School: Filling a Critical Gap in South Carolina

As a land-grant institution, Clemson University has long been a leader in agriculture, forestry, and business, with deep-rooted connections across multiple industries and economic sectors in South Carolina. However, Clemson has always felt it was missing one key component to truly excel: a college of veterinary medicine. According to university officials, Clemson already has all the ingredients for a world-class veterinary school—what’s needed now is that final piece to complete the recipe.

With the national shortage of veterinarians becoming increasingly acute, South Carolina is feeling the strain. Currently, a third of the state’s 46 counties are served by five or fewer veterinarians, and nearly half have fewer than 10. While there is a significant demand for veterinarians specializing in companion animals, the state's $51.8 billion agricultural and livestock industry has an equally pressing need for veterinary expertise.

This growing demand is one reason Clemson’s plan to establish a veterinary school has garnered widespread support across the state. The initiative has even secured more than $100 million in budgeted funding from the South Carolina General Assembly for the construction of the college.

Addressing a Changing Landscape

Clemson's veterinary school aims to provide students with a comprehensive medical education that covers two main categories of animals: companion animals like dogs and cats, and agricultural animals such as cows, pigs, and chickens. However, the curriculum and practical training must also account for a relatively new trend: the blurring of lines between livestock and pets. Animals that were traditionally considered livestock, such as chickens, goats, and cows, are now often kept as pets, becoming beloved family members. Future veterinarians will need to understand how this shift impacts the medical care they provide.

Clemson’s approach to training will differ from the traditional teaching hospital model found at many veterinary schools. Instead, students will engage in hands-on training that follows an apprenticeship model, learning directly from seasoned professionals. This method will not only teach the technical aspects of veterinary medicine but also the often-overlooked lesson that veterinary care is as much about people as it is about animals.

"Our students will be servant leaders," said Dr. Marks, a key figure in the development of the school. "They will serve the people of South Carolina, indirectly through their animals, but also directly through public health, regulatory medicine, and regulatory services."

Marks emphasized that the school is committed to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the real world. This includes giving them a realistic understanding of the challenges they will face as practicing veterinarians. "It’s not going to be sugar-coated," Marks said. "There will be times when someone has to go onto a farm and make tough decisions for public health, and students need to be prepared for that reality."

The Road to Accreditation

Clemson’s veterinary school is on track to welcome its first class of 80 students—60 from South Carolina and 20 from out of state—in less than two years. However, there is still much work to be done, including building the curriculum, hiring faculty and staff, and spreading the word about the new program.

Stacia Harris, the school’s director of marketing and communications, plays a vital role in this effort. As an avid backyard farmer with a background in communications and broadcasting, Harris sees this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help shape the future of veterinary education in South Carolina. "I’ve been overwhelmed by how enthusiastic and supportive folks have been," Harris said. "It’s really genuine and it’s really heartfelt."

Before enrolling students, the school must receive accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education. The college has already developed a curriculum plan, is in the process of hiring faculty, and has undergone site visits from AVMA representatives. The next crucial step is obtaining a Letter of Reasonable Assurance, expected in 2025, which will allow the school to begin recruiting students.

Addressing the Veterinary Deficit

A recent feasibility study on veterinary needs in South Carolina highlighted the urgency of Clemson’s initiative:

• 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 enrolled at veterinary colleges outside the state in 2022.

• The pool of qualified South Carolina students not admitted to a veterinary program was estimated to be between 500 and 1,000 in 2018.

To address the lack of in-state educational opportunities, South Carolina currently provides tuition coverage for 46 students to attend veterinary programs at Tuskegee University, Mississippi State University, and the University of Georgia, costing the state over $6 million per year. The establishment of a veterinary school at Clemson will help to alleviate this financial burden and keep more students within the state.

Clemson University’s new College of Veterinary Medicine is poised to become a vital resource for South Carolina, addressing both the current veterinarian shortage and the growing needs of the state’s diverse animal populations. With strong support from the community and a clear vision for the future, Clemson is on the path to becoming a leader in veterinary education.