As leadership from Murray State University continues to press for the establishment of a new School of Veterinary Medicine, support must come from local municipalities, just as much as it will be needed inside this session of the Kentucky General Assembly.
Such a pillar came Monday night, when Trigg County’s Fiscal Court unanimously approved a resolution — originally drafted by the Pennyrile Area Development District — calling for its creation.
Jordan Smith, executive director of government and institutional relations, noted more than 1,000 natives of Trigg County are alumni of MSU: a number that could grow with an opportunity like this.
Furthermore, MSU’s active push for this proposal actually began 50 years ago this month, when — in 1973 — the Board of Regents passed a resolution addressing the very concerns still observed today.
Several times in the last half century, MSU has tried to jumpstart the process — only to see it fizzle at the Frankfort goal line, or get thwarted by other rival schools.
However, Kentucky remains without a veterinary school — despite its deep agrarian history — and Smith said many believe “now is probably the best chance ever to do this,” as the state’s budget opens 2024 flush with cash.
And the state remains in dire need of developed vet talent.
Breathitt Veterinary Center in Hopkinsville would, of course, have its high-class facility in the fold, but the full scope is larger. Smith said MSU would like to create a distributive education model, where a student would work three years in pre-vet curriculum, three years in advanced placement, on the way to a full license.
From there, Smith confirmed an unnamed donor has endowed $4.2 million for the recruiting of rural west Kentuckians to get into vet school, and there are plans to further incentivize them to return home as large animal vets.
Smith said MSU also has about 1,600 acres of farmland available, and that there would only be need for one new building in order to get the school up and on its way.
Magistrate Alana Baker-Dunn, a longtime farmer and University of Louisville graduate, was one of several to openly speak in favor.
FULL DISCUSSION:
In other court news:
— Due to the holiday sync, Trigg County Fiscal Court’s next two meetings will be special called at 6 PM Tuesday, January 2, and 6 PM Tuesday, January 15.
— Magistrates also unanimously approved for the advertising of a bid for a 2012 Freightliner business class M2 106 truck, one based on specific specs.
