The discussions are already underway at the state capitol about a possible school of veterinary medicine at Murray State University, and it’s fielding some tough questions before session even gets underway.
According to the Legislative Research Commission, members of the interim Joint Committee on Agriculture met last week where they heard from leadership with Murray State and from specialists with Deloitte Consulting, who presented findings from a feasibility study. That study was conducted to compile information on the benefits and impact of a veterinary school at Murray State, along with other higher education programs in the state.
Specialist Amy Wittmayer says the proposed launch date for the program is fall 2027, with a target cohort size of 70 students. The goal is to reach a total enrollment of 280 by the fifth year. She said it’s estimated 15 incremental faculty and 42 staff and administrators would be needed to operate the school. Students of the program would complete their education via a network of clinical partners.
While the endeavor has received strong support in western Kentucky, several lawmakers questioned the necessity of a vet school at Murray, saying they have existing partnerships with Auburn and Tuskegee Universities—though they agree there is a shortage of veterinarians.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer said the school would need to benefit the state as a whole, not just western Kentucky, to justify the huge taxpayer expense to support the effort.
Any legislation will have to go before the Appropriations and Revenue Committee, and then pass both the House and the Senate before coming into effect.