October 28, 2009
School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences OK'd by Commission
LINCOLN, Neb. — Veterinary medical education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will be strengthened with the elevation of the discipline from department to school status, the school director said.
The Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education this month approved the change, so the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is now the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The change had been approved by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents in September.
Director David Hardin said the change will strengthen the program. The school will bring together the teaching, research and extension education programs formerly in the department as well as the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine offered by Iowa State University and UNL, the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center on East Campus and the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center in Clay Center.
"The doctor of veterinary medicine degree encompasses a wide range of disciplines and our ability to bring them together contributes to the quality of the education we provide," Hardin said. "The aim of the school is to enhance the coordination and collaboration across disciplines, departments, colleges and universities to develop a veterinary medical education system that will serve Nebraska and the region."
The title of "school" effectively communicates a sense of validity, respect and authority – elements that are vital to the success of the program, said John Owens, University of Nebraska vice president and Harlan vice chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
"The creation of the school is a major academic achievement for veterinary medicine in Nebraska and it also recognizes the tremendous scientific accomplishments of UNL faculty, staff and students in the biomedical sciences as well as the potential for significant growth in their research and extension education programs," Owens said.
Under the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine between UNL and ISU, Nebraska students study for two years in Lincoln then transfer to ISU to complete their education. The first group of 24 Nebraska students began their studies at ISU this fall. The UNL-ISU professional program operates under the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine's accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education and is recognized as one program.
10/28/09-LM David K. Hardin, Ph.D.
School of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences Director (402) 472-2952
 
Lori McGinnis IANR News and Photography (402) 472-0918
Department:
School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
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