CALF_News_June_July_2018

22 CALF News • June | July 2018 • www.calfnews.net T he beef industry and agriculture are pillars of the Amarillo, Texas, area economy. Cattle outnumber people by the millions. Large animal veterinarians are in demand – and Amarillo is banking on the nation’s newest veterinary college being built there. The Amarillo City Council has approved an amendment to a 2016 agreement between the Texas Tech University System (TTUS) and the Amarillo Economic Development Corpora- tion (AEDC) to fund up to $69 million to ensure the con- struction of the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine (TTU SVM) in Amarillo. “This investment in a veterinary school in Amarillo has huge economic implications and enhances our educational opportunities for generations to come,” says Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson.“Amarillo sees the return that will come on this investment. Our community has the determination and drive to make this education and economic opportunity a reality.” Along with addressing the critical shortage of rural veterinar- ians, the TTU SVM will be the only veterinary school in the country co-located with a pharmacy school and medical school on the same campus, thus expanding opportunities to combine research efforts impacting both human and animal health. “The Texas Tech veterinary school will provide an exceptional return on our investment, not only to Amarillo but to the gen- erations of families throughout the Panhandle and the state of Texas working in our livestock and food supply systems,” notes AEDC Board of Directors Chairman Brian Heinrich. In 2016, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopted a report reiterating the critical shortages of large animal and rural veterinarians in Texas and the adverse impact on global food supplies. The TTU SVM directly addresses the critical shortage of veterinarians serving rural communities. “Throughout the history of the Texas Tech University System, the Amarillo community has helped set the standard for support and cultivation of higher education opportuni- ties,” says Texas Tech University System Chancellor Robert Duncan.“Now, our partnership is taken to the next level. Ama- rillo’s commitment to bring the School of Veterinary Medicine to the Texas Panhandle will have an impact on a national and global scale. We are endlessly grateful for their spirit of sup- port, partnership and determination.” Texas A&M vet school expanding to the Panhandle The Amarillo and Canyon area also have a commitment from The Texas A&M University System to enhance its vet school operations. Earlier this year, A&M announced plans for a $22.8 million building for veterinary education, research and workforce opportunities as part of almost $90 million in new commitments to the state agriculture industry on the West Texas A&M University campus. The new Veterinary Education, Research & Out- reach (VERO) Center will be constructed adjacent to WTAMU’s new Agricultural Sciences Complex and a new Texas A&MVeterinary Medical Diagnostic Labo- ratory (TVMDL) facility currently in the process of relocating from Amarillo to Canyon. Look for additional announcements from both A&M and Tech on their vet school plans.  By Larry Stalcup Contributing Editor Amarillo Funds $69 Million for Texas Tech Vet School TOP: Texas Tech’s Amarillo vet school received a $69 million boost from the Amarillo Economic Development Council. RIGHT: Center City of Amarillo’s “Hoof Prints” campaign to honor the American Quarter Horse includes a proud Double-T pony at the city’s Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. It would fit right in if a new Texas Tech vet school is established.  CALF COMMUNITY