Cabot, Ark. — In a major milestone for higher education and public health in Arkansas, Lyon College has officially broken ground on what will become the state’s first private veterinary school. The Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine, located in Cabot, aims to address a critical shortage of veterinarians across the state, particularly in rural areas.

Currently, 10% of Arkansas counties lack any veterinary professionals—a gap that affects not only pet owners but also the state’s significant livestock and poultry industries.

On Thursday, June 12, Lyon College officials, state lawmakers, and veterinary professionals gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new school, celebrating the long-anticipated project.

“This school will train the next generation of veterinarians right here at home. Arkansans serving Arkansans,” said Speaker of the House Brian Evans, R-Cabot, highlighting the significance of retaining future veterinarians within the state’s borders.

The 14-acre campus, to be designed by WDD Architects and built by Baldwin & Shell Construction Company, will include over 100,000 square feet of educational and clinical space. The school will be strategically situated next to Cabot Animal Support Services, giving students immediate access to real-world shelter medicine experience.

Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade reflected on the broader impact of the initiative, saying, “This groundbreaking today represents something much larger than a building. It represents a leap forward for this city, for Central Arkansas and for our state.”

Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner emphasized the school’s mission to meet both human and animal needs in underserved regions:
“We know that animal health is deeply connected to public health, food security and economic vitality, and we know that we can meet those needs in a distinctly Lyon way with high standards, an emphasis on service and a commitment to excellence that runs deep in our culture.”

The school will also house the Katharine Reese Shelter Medicine and Animal Welfare Program, which was a key factor in the project’s ability to attract national attention. According to Dr. Eleanor Green, founding dean of the veterinary school,
“It’s going to bring unbelievable capabilities for our school and assets for our students. It actually attracted the Katharine Reese Shelter Medicine and Animal Welfare Program, which is going to differentiate us and be a model for how veterinarians and communities and shelter programs work together for the health of animals and people and their welfare.”

A significant $11 million gift from the Arkansas Animal Rescue Foundation is helping fund the program, expanding student access to hands-on learning and shelter medicine services.

Pending accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, Lyon College aims to welcome its first class in 2026.

Beyond educational benefits, the project is expected to fuel local economic growth. Mike Wheeler, director of community services for Cabot, noted:
“Our city will see new jobs, increased demand for local services and a boost to our economy. This is not just growth, it’s momentum, a ripple effect that will engage, energize, and open new doors for businesses and will help write a brighter economic chapter for our community.”

With construction now underway, the veterinary school represents a transformative investment in education, health, and regional development for Arkansas.

Originally reported by Caroline Scurlock in KASU.