Utah State University has officially begun construction on the state's first veterinary college

Utah State University has officially begun construction on the state's first veterinary college, a significant milestone for the region.

Previously, veterinary students completed their initial two years at Utah State before transferring to Washington State University to finish their degrees. The new veterinary campus will offer space for students to research and train in animal health, providing a complete education within Utah.

Governor Spencer Cox, an alum of Utah State, expressed his excitement at the groundbreaking ceremony. "For our size, it seems impossible that we should have these colleges and universities," Cox said. "We have a medical school, amazing business schools, and law, but there has always been a piece missing, and it didn't make sense. Now we are finally closing that gap."

State and USU officials, including Cox, hope the new veterinary school will encourage graduates to remain in Utah, helping to address the current shortage of veterinarians.

"That's something I'm most excited about — the opportunity to get some of our homegrown talent and keep them here," Cox said. "Some kids will come back, make the sacrifice, and know they won't make as much money, but they will be able to keep agriculture alive and thriving in our state."

The project has been years in the making, driven by efforts from individuals like John Mathis, a former member of the Utah House of Representatives. Mathis was inspired by his father, who couldn't pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian due to the lack of a program in Utah.

"I had promised myself that if I was ever in a position to help Utah kids follow their dream without having to leave home or make difficult choices, I would do that," Mathis said. "This is just the beginning step. Come back in 20 years, and see what this has led to and you'll be amazed."

The state-funded building is expected to be completed by summer 2026, at an estimated cost of $77 million.