The new School of Veterinary Medicine at UMES will be the second veterinary school among the nation’s historically Black colleges. Here's all to know.
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UMES launching veterinary school in big, historic move to address need
Dec 15, 2023
A new School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is becoming a reality. The University System of Maryland Board of Regents announced Friday its approval for the program that will be the second veterinary school across the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities.
When the first anticipated students are accepted in fall 2026, it
will also be Maryland’s first stand-alone program.
“Our new veterinary medicine school will help UMES fill an unmet need on the Eastern Shore and throughout the state,” said UMES President Heidi M. Anderson. “Deeply rooted in our 1890 land-grant mission, this program will enable us to serve farmers, the food industry and the 50% of Marylanders who own a pet. It will also increase both the diversity of the profession and address the workforce needs of the industry. We’re deeply grateful to the Maryland Board of Regents and for the widespread support this program has garnered.”
'Innovative approach' leads to three-year program
The timing could not be more appropriate, according to UMES’ Dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences Moses T. Kairo, who has helped lead the program from inception toward actualization.
“In terms of demand based on labor statistics, we are looking at 19% projected growth in the field over the next seven years,” Kairo said. “Black veterinarians make up only 3% of the population in this country, indicating a tremendous need to diversify the profession.”
Compared to traditional four-year programs, the proposed program calls for three-year completion. This “innovative approach” will allow UMES veterinary students to learn the same critical components found in existing programs but more expeditiously.
“Our goal is to use student time more effectively in order to graduate students a year earlier,” he said.
The program has been approved by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and final approval by the Maryland Higher Education Commission is expected shortly, Kairo said. A consultative visit from the American Veterinary Medicine Association-Council on Education is expected to occur in the latter part of 2024.
