2024 Year in Review

The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine has made major progress in building the first college of veterinary medicine to South Carolina. Here's a look a a few of the highlights from 2024. The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine will be the first College of Veterinary Medicine in South Carolina. Recent studies show that qualified candidates are applying to veterinary colleges nationwide, yet there is not enough space to accommodate students' desire to become veterinarians. Additionally, there is a shortage of veterinarians in our state, particularly in rural areas. The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University will create new opportunities to improve South Carolina's economy, retain top talent and protect animal and human health while serving our communities.

January

Intense design work begins on the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine This comes in the wake of the Clemson University's Board of Trustees approving to increase the Phase 1 budget for the construction of facilities at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) to $110,466,000 to reflect the total funding provided by the State of South Carolina in the FY23 and FY24 budgets. The Board previously authorized $10M in Phase 1 funding through the FY23 appropriation.

February

Pre-Vet Student Mentoring This was one of dozens of presentations given by CVM staff around the state this year to update fans and stakeholders about the progress of building S.C.'s first college of veterinary medicine.

1. Greenville, S.C.: Pet Safety Segment on Fox Carolina's Access Carolina
2. Charleston, S.C.: Charleston Animal Society Celebrates 150 years
3. Columbia, S.C.: Meeting Riverbanks Zoo resident, Galapagos
Tortoise, Conchita
4. Clemson University: A CVM update alongside Clemson One Health
5. Clemson University: Pre-Vet Club Mentoring with Animal and
Veterinary Sciences Students
6. Clemson University: Touring Bob and Betsy Campbell Museum of
Natural History
7. Pendleton, S.C.: Clemson Spring Dairy Show at T. Ed Garrison
Arena

March

CVM inspired the creation of a history of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson display at the Cooper Library We can see where we came from and where we are heading in the world of veterinary science as Cooper Library displays dozens of unique pieces that show the history of veterinary medicine at Clemson University.

"The proud history of veterinary and animal science at Clemson University has helped pave the way for the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson," said founding Dean, Steven Marks. "We look forward to working together to produce the next generation of veterinary clinicians and scientists."

Fashion Friday The CVM Social Media franchise, #Fashion Friday, began in March featuring Samantha and Tucker, two Doodles who belong to CVM staff members. Since then, a beloved pet, working K9 or farm animal wearing a bright orange bandana have been seen across CVM social channels every Friday.

April

Board of Trustees Approves the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree At the Board of Trustees April meeting, the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree was approved following a presentation given by Provost Bob Jones and brief follow-up questions answered by Dean Marks.
"It was a proud moment when Provost Jones presented the DVM program to the Board of Trustees," said Marks. "Many people at Clemson and across South Carolina have paved the way for our success. Go Tigers!"

Founding Dean, Steven Marks, with a 3D model of the CVM Complex after the Board of Trustees Presentation

CVM Named Provisional Member of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges The CVM sent a group to the annual AAVMC conference in Washington, D.C. last Spring. The team had many meetings in their schedules including several with members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. A major highlight of the conference was the College of Veterinary Medicine being named a provisional member of the AAVMC!

Dr. Andrew McCabe, CEO AAVMC on the left and Dr. Ruby Perry, Dean Tuskegee College of Veterinary Medicine and 23-24 President of the AAVMC on the right.

May

Scholarship Announcement Dean Marks presented to the Board of Visitors and made a surprise announcement. He surprised the crowd by announcing a founding scholarship endowment given to CVM and named in honor of Mary Hare Bradley. This is one of 39 endowed scholarships given so far to help achieve the goal of providing scholarship monies to each of the CVM's first class of 80 students.

Consultative visit from the American Veterinary Medical Association- Council on Education (AVMA-COE) This visit is a major milestone on the path to accreditation. This month, a team visited the CVM to evaluate elements of the college such as the curriculum and clinical partnerships. The next visit will be the comprehensive visit. The CVM will make the recommended modifications (if any changes are needed), under the direction of the AVMA. The next step is to receive a letter of reasonable assurance, at which point the CVM may begin accepting applications to the program.

Student actor illustrating the CVM student experience when the next step in accreditation is completed and the first cohort of students begin in the Fall of 2026.

June

Inaugural Anniversary The CVM celebrated the inaugural anniversary of being approved as Clemson's newest college by the board of trustees. The Board of Trustees first approved creation of the college in June of 2023. Since then, faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to build the college from scratch. The anniversary video is linked below.

July

Student Experience The CVM released proposed curriculum and admissions requirements. This includes a course catalog and details about what students can expect in years one-four. Summer also marked the beginning of capturing promotional photos and videos for use on the CVM website and social media. Student actors sporting CVM branded scrubs can be found in a variety of informational materials.

August

Celebrating the Palmetto State The CVM celebrates National South Carolina Day. This designation recognizes and honors the history, culture and beauty of the Palmetto State. The CVM is proud to become part of the history of South Carolina and contribute to the success of the state as the first college of veterinary medicine.

Legendary Photo Shoot Dean Marks had a bucket list moment this month. We captured an iconic photo with Marks, Coach Dabo Swinney and two sweet dairy cows from Clemson University's LaMaster Dairy sporting CVM bandanas. Talk about a Fashion Friday!

September

Major hiring push begins for faculty members. The CVM will hire six individuals this year with more postings to come in the late Spring.

"Establishing a new veterinary college to address the needs of a rapidly evolving society requires a dedicated team of individuals with a diverse set of skills and experience, and so we are looking for faculty that are enthusiastic, innovative and highly adaptive," said Brian Aldridge, Veterinary Medicine and Science Department Chair. "We hope to build a dedicated, generous and collaborative academic community of faculty, staff and students, that can contribute to the advancement of animal and community health in the State and beyond."

From Left to Right: Brian Butler, Associate Dean of Clinical Programs; Nicki Wise, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs; Brian Aldridge, Department Chair;

October

Construction Update The CVM releases updated photos of the future home of the college. Located on W. Queen Street across from the Equine Center, the complex will include six academic buildings. As of October, construction on the main building, the Hub, showed much progress.

This will be the CVM Hub, central to the student, faculty and staff experience. It will be a vibrant center where students can attend classes, study, and engage with each other.

November

Making South Carolina History Clemson officially breaks ground on Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine on November 22, marking a historic moment for Clemson University and the state of South Carolina as the only college of veterinary medicine in the state continues to take shape. Sen. Peeler, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and a cattle farmer in his hometown of Gaffney, has experienced firsthand the need for large and small animal veterinarians in the state. "[This] marks a historic milestone for our state as we break ground on the new College of Veterinary Medicine - a dream that's been a long time in the making. This is not just about education - it is about taking care of our animals, supporting our farmers, growing our economy and filling the need for veterinarians in South Carolina," said Sen. Peeler.

Photos from the ceremony are HERE.

CVM Promotional Video is HERE.

December

History in the Making The CVM officially releases its inaugural annual report, Historic Beginnings. It covers fiscal year 2024 and includes highlights and milestones from the past year, as well as important background information that explains how the college has grown and what plans lie ahead for 2025.

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