Governor Hochul Announces $26 Million Ribbon Cutting for Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine Training Center

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a ribbon cutting for the Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine Learning Center at its Long Island University campus in Brookville, Nassau County. Long Island University has invested $53 million to establish the College of Veterinary Medicine, including today’s announcement of a new $26 million Veterinary Education 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 MD program with a comprehensive education and practical skills through the four-year program. The $12.75 million New York State College of Veterinary Medicine is the only veterinary program recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Board of Education in the New York metropolitan area and one of only four veterinary schools in the northeastern United States.

“New York State’s investment in the Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine underscores our commitment to meeting the growing demand for state-of-the-art veterinary services and ensuring that 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 faculty, will provide students with the hands-on experience they need to become competent and compassionate veterinary professionals capable of protecting animal health and conserving the environment.”

The education and training provided through veterinary programs is the cornerstone of producing highly qualified animal care and public health professionals. 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 has state-of-the-art research laboratory facilities for students and faculty, including large lecture theatres, classrooms, clinical skills labs, seminar rooms, and a small animal simulation suite including examination rooms, surgical rooms, and a medical imaging center. Students will gain real-world experience in surgery, diagnostic support, intensive care and other areas critical to a successful veterinary practice through external partnerships with over 75 affiliates, including primary and specialty clinics, zoos, research labs, 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. Having a Long Island University (LIU) veterinary program will attract skilled professionals, creating new jobs and economic growth. New York State’s investment in this program is also supporting the growth of veterinary professionals to meet growing demand in this area. Graduates of the program will be well prepared to work as practice-ready veterinarians or for advanced specialization in their chosen field. The center’s state-of-the-art technologies, along with experienced faculty and hands-on experience, prepare students for real veterinary medicine, which is a constantly evolving field that requires the latest technology and knowledge. The program is currently in its third year with approximately 300 students enrolled to date, and the number of veterinary and graduate students is expected to increase to approximately 450 in the 2023-24 academic year.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said: “The LIU College of Veterinary Medicine stands out as a beacon of how education and research can come together to bring about positive change for animals and improve the health and prosperity of our communities. New York’s strategic investment in innovation and education is evident in the Center for Veterinary Education’s cutting-edge curriculum, research, and community partnerships that will work together to turn students into agents of change in the field of veterinary medicine.”

Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Lo said: “As one of four veterinary schools in the northeastern United States, the Veterinary Training Center is a game-changer for the future of veterinary medicine. Through an innovative approach to education that emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world experience, students gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this area. Congratulations to Long Island University for 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 thrilled that Long Island is home to the first college of veterinary medicine with this state-of-the-art New York State-supported home. I am delighted that the LIU program is built on partnerships and real learning with existing service providers such as Babylon City Animal Shelter.

Assemblyman Charles Lavin said: “Already a national leader in veterinary medicine, this training center will provide even more student resources and will be a great addition to the ever-growing LIU Post campus.”

Oyster Bay City Manager Joseph Saladino said: “I am so proud that the city of Oyster Bay is home to Long Island University, a world-class center of academic excellence and research that enjoys prestige in our community and beyond. Since its opening three years ago, the College of Veterinary Medicine has become a huge asset as one of the four veterinary programs in the Northeast. I thank LIU and New York State for their contributions to the next generation of veterinary leaders by building this new training center and join you in celebrating its grand opening.”

This was stated by the mayor of the village of Brookville Daniel Serota. “Long Island University is one of the gems of Long Island’s north coast. With the addition of the Veterinary School, we now have a diamond in our crown.”

Long Island University President Dr. Kimberly R. Kline said: “The College of Veterinary Medicine has been a catalyst for the advancement of Long Island University as a premier academic and research center within Long Island’s world-class life sciences corridor, and this would not have been possible without the active support of Governor Hole and Empire State Development. . We are very proud of our new College of Veterinary Medicine and the combined clinical and research experience that gives students significant opportunities to become leaders in veterinary medicine.”

Long Island Regional Economic Development Council co-chairs Linda Armin, director of strategy and marketing for the 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, which features 21st-century facilities and top-notch instructors, is a visionary choice that will bring long-term benefits to our society and economy. With the growing demand for veterinary services, it is important that we provide future generations of professionals with the education and training they need to succeed as caring veterinary practitioners.”