Lyon College breaks ground on veterinary school in Cabot

Above: Officials participate in the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine on Thursday, June 12, in Cabot, Arkansas. The new veterinary school is expected to open in 2026, pending accreditation, and will be located on a 17.5-acre campus shared with Cabot Animal Support Services. (Photo courtesy of Lyon College)

Last week, Lyon College officials, state and local leaders, and members of the Arkansas veterinary community broke ground Wednesday on the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine in Cabot, marking a significant step in the college’s expansion into graduate health sciences and efforts to address the state’s shortage of veterinarians.

According to a release from Lyon College, the 17.5-acre Cabot campus will include both the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine and Cabot Animal Support Services. The veterinary school will occupy 14 acres and feature more than 100,000 square feet of educational and clinical space.

Plans for the facility include classrooms, laboratories, surgical suites, simulation centers, spaces for both large and small animal medicine, and areas for student collaboration. A veterinary teaching hospital will be housed in the same building as Cabot Animal Support Services to promote integrated learning and service delivery.

Victor Werley, chair of the Lyon College Board of Trustees, said the veterinary school reflects the college’s commitment to addressing statewide needs through innovation.

“Arkansas has long needed a veterinary school,” Werley said. “This school allows Lyon College to serve the state in a new and lasting way while remaining true to our values of academic excellence, service, and leadership. We are proud to support a program that will improve lives, strengthen communities and extend Lyon’s legacy for generations to come.”

Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner said the school will focus on innovation and compassion in veterinary care.

“We know there is a pressing need for more veterinarians across Arkansas — particularly in rural and underserved areas,” Taverner said. “This veterinary school will be a place of innovation and compassion, where students gain the technical knowledge and character needed to meet the challenges of modern veterinary care.”

Founding Dean Dr. Eleanor Green, a national leader in veterinary education, said the program is designed to serve both rural and urban communities.

“We’re not just building a school — we’re building a mission that prepares veterinarians to serve both rural and urban communities, protect public health, and elevate animal welfare with both skill and heart,” Green said.

The City of Cabot is a key partner in the project, providing support to bring the initiative to life. Officials said the development is expected to generate jobs, attract families and expand access to animal care services.

“The Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine will be a transformative presence in our community,” said Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade. “It will bring students and families here, grow our city, create jobs, and provide a hub of care for animals across the region. This is more than a building — it’s a leap forward for Cabot and for Arkansas.”

The facility will also include the Katharine Reese Shelter Medicine and Animal Welfare Program, funded by an $11 million gift from the Arkansas Animal Rescue Foundation. The program aims to expand access to shelter medicine services and offer students hands-on experience with real-world animal health needs.

“This partnership means our shelter will evolve into something far greater: a living classroom, a community hub and a model for how shelter medicine can work hand-in-hand with education,” said Mike Wheeler, director of community services for the city of Cabot. “Our animals will receive expert care. Our staff will gain access to valuable veterinary support. And our city will play a central role in training the next generation of veterinary leaders.”

Architect’s renderings show the future Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine and Cabot Animal Support Services, which will be co-located on the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine campus in Cabot, Arkansas. The 17.5-acre site includes more than 100,000 square feet of planned educational and clinical space. (Courtesy of WDD Architects/Lyon College)

State and local leaders attending the groundbreaking included House Speaker Rep. Brian Evans, Sen. Ricky Hill, Lonoke County Judge Doug Erwin and Maggie Milligan of the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Ashley Mounts, associate dean for clinical programs and outreach, recognized founding clinical partners including Briarwood Animal Hospital, Central Arkansas Animal Hospital, Doubletree Veterinary Clinic, Hillcrest Animal Hospital, Honey Hill Animal Hospital, Landmark Animal Hospital, Pine Street Animal Clinic, Shackleford Road Veterinary Clinic and White River Veterinary Clinic.

“As a practitioner, I know how important it is to have graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also prepared to hit the ground running in a real-world clinical setting,” said Dr. Chad Towns of Honey Hill Animal Hospital. “That’s what this partnership is all about. We’re here to provide those practical experiences, to mentor students, and to help shape a program that reflects the realities and responsibilities of veterinary care today.”

Pending accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine plans to enroll its first class in 2026.

Lyon College is also set to open the state’s first dental school June 30 in Little Rock. The School of Dental Medicine is part of the college’s broader effort to expand access to health care education in the region. The program will offer a three-year curriculum with clinical training and a focus on community service.

For more information, visit lyoninstitute.com.