Historic Move by Clemson University: $110 Million Mega Project for South Carolina's First Ever Veterinary College!

In a landmark decision, the Clemson University Board of Trustees has taken a giant leap towards establishing South Carolina's inaugural College of Veterinary Medicine. At a recent meeting held on Friday, the board not only approved the acquisition of a strategic 87-acre land parcel in Pendleton but also green-lit a substantial increase in the project's budget.

This prime piece of land, nestled next to the Clemson Experimental Forest's George Aull Natural Area, marks a pivotal location for the upcoming college. In a unique arrangement, Clemson will receive this property at no cost, courtesy of an agreement with the Naturaland Trust, who will initially acquire the land through a charitable bargain.

Further bolstering this ambitious venture, the Clemson trustees sanctioned a whopping budget escalation for the first phase of construction, now set at $110,466,000. This substantial increase is a direct reflection of the financial support extended by the State of South Carolina in its FY23 and FY24 budgets. This influx of funds is poised to kickstart the initial phase of the project, paving the way for essential developments such as HVAC systems, electrical transformers and switchgear, and foundational structural systems.

The concept of this veterinary college was first hatched earlier this year and received the board's nod of approval over the summer. With plans now firmly in place, the construction of this groundbreaking institution is slated to commence next summer.

As Clemson University embarks on this monumental project, it promises to not only enrich South Carolina's educational landscape but also mark a significant milestone in veterinary education in the region. Stay tuned as we continue to uncover more details about this exciting development.