State Funding of $12.75 Million Supports Future Generations of Veterinarians
State-of-the-Art Facility Will Attract Skilled Professionals, New Job Opportunities, and Economic Growth to Region
Learning Center Serves as Anchor of the College of Veterinary Medicine
Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine is One of Only Four Veterinary Programs in the Northeast
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the ribbon cutting of Long Island University's College of Veterinary Medicine Learning Center at its Long Island University Post campus in Brookville, Nassau County. Long Island University invested $53 million to establish the College of Veterinary Medicine, which includes today's announcement of the new $26 million Veterinary Learning Center. This state-of-the-art, 33,100-square-foot facility serves as the anchor of the College of Veterinary Medicine and will prepare students enrolled in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program with a comprehensive education and real-world skills through a four-year program. Supported by New York State funding of $12.75 million, the College of Veterinary Medicine is the only veterinary program recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education in the New York metropolitan area and one of only four veterinary schools in the Northeast United States.
"New York State's investment in Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine underscores our commitment to meeting the growing demand for state-of-the-art veterinary services and ensuring New Yorkers have access to education and training for the career path of their choice," Governor Hochul said. "These new facilities, equipped with the latest technology and staffed by experienced educators, will provide students with the hands-on experience they need to become competent and compassionate veterinary professionals who can safeguard animal health and preserve the environment."
The education and training provided in veterinary programs is the cornerstone of producing highly-skilled professionals in the field of animal care and public health. The Learning Center offers hands-on learning experiences through clinical rotations and internships, allowing students to gain practical skills and knowledge in a variety of settings. The facility features state-of-the-art student-faculty research laboratory spaces comprising large lecture theaters, classrooms, clinical skills laboratories, seminar rooms, and a small animal simulation suite including examination rooms, surgical suites, and a medical imaging center. Students will gain real-world experience in surgery, diagnostic support, intensive care, and other areas critical for successful veterinary practice through external partnerships with more than 75 affiliates, including primary care and specialty clinics, zoos, research laboratories, shelters, veterinary industry leaders, and other universities.
Veterinary professionals play a vital role in the agricultural sector, which is a major contributor to the economy. The presence of Long Island University's (LIU) veterinary program will attract skilled professionals, bringing new job opportunities and economic growth. New York State's investment in this program also supports the growth of veterinary professionals to meet the growing demand in this field. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to enter the workforce as practice-ready veterinarians or to pursue an advanced specialization in their chosen field. The facility's state-of-the-art technologies, along with the experienced faculty and hands-on experiences, prepare the students for real-world veterinary medicine, which is a constantly evolving field that requires the latest technology and knowledge. The program is currently in its third year and has enrolled approximately 300 students to date with the anticipation of growing to approximately 450 veterinary and graduate students in the 2023-24 academic year.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "LIU's College of Veterinary Medicine stands out as a beacon of how education and research can converge to bring about positive change for animals and enhance the health and prosperity of our communities. New York's strategic investment in innovation and education is evident in the Veterinary Learning Center's cutting-edge curriculum, research, and community partnerships that will work together to transform students into agents of change in the field of veterinary medicine."
Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said, "As one of only four veterinary schools in the Northeastern United States, the Veterinary Learning Center is a game-changer for the future of veterinary medicine. With its innovative approach to education, emphasizing hands-on learning and real-world experience, students are equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the field. Congratulations to Long Island University on its commitment to advancing veterinary medicine and promoting the well-being of all."
State Senator Monica R. Martinez said, "As a longtime animal lover and advocate, I am excited Long Island has its first College of Veterinary Medicine with this state-of-the-art home supported by New York State. I am glad LIU's program is built on partnerships and real-world education with existing providers like the Town of Babylon Animal Shelter."
Assemblymember Charles Lavine said, "Already a national leader in the field of veterinary medicine, this learning center will provide even more resources for students and make a wonderful addition to the ever-growing campus of LIU Post."
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said, "I am so proud that the Town of Oyster Bay is home to Long Island University, a hub for academic excellence and world-class research with a reputation for prestige in our community and beyond. Since its launch three years ago, the College of Veterinary Medicine has become a tremendous asset, as one of only four veterinary programs in the Northeast. I thank LIU and New York State for their investment in the next generation of leaders in veterinary medicine by building this new learning center and join you in celebrating its grand opening."
Village of Brookville Mayor Daniel Serota said, "Long Island University is one of the jewels of the North Shore of Long Island. With the addition of the Veterinary School, we now have a diamond in our crown."
Long Island University President Dr. Kimberly R. Cline said, "The College of Veterinary Medicine has been a catalyst for Long Island University's advancement as a top academic and research facility as part of Long Island's world-class life science corridor, and it would not be possible without strong support from Governor Hochul and Empire State Development. We are very proud of our new College of Veterinary Medicine facilities and connected clinical and research experiences which provide students with significant opportunities to become leaders in veterinary medicine."
Long Island Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Linda Armyn, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Bethpage Federal Credit Union and President of Farmingdale State College Dr. John Nader said, "New York State's investment in the LIU College of Veterinary Medicine campus, home to 21st century facilities and top-tier instructors, is a forward-thinking choice that will have lasting benefits for our society and economy. With the increasing demand for veterinary services, it is essential that we equip future generations of professionals with the necessary education and training they need to succeed as caring veterinary practitioners."