Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
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Iowa State University
's College of Veterinary Medicine was established in 1879 and is the oldest veterinary college in the United States. Iowa State has graduated 6,400 veterinarians and is one of the largest veterinary research facilities in the nation.
s of ISU's first graduating class in 1872, received instruction in veterinary science, but it wasn't until 1879 that degrees were offered in that subject. The ISU veterinary school was the first state veterinary college in the United States. Other private veterinary colleges all closed by the 1920s, leaving ISU as the oldest veterinary college still in operation in the United States.
Originally, the degree programs offered were only two year programs, but with expanded coursework, the program was extended to three years in 1887 and to four years by 1903 (making Iowa State the nation’s first four-year veterinary school).
In 1885, veterinary classes were held in the "Sanitary Building," which was located where the current ISU Memorial Union now stands. In 1893 the veterinary department was moved to the "Old Agricultural Hall" or "Botany Hall", today known as Catt Hall
.
By 1912, overcrowding became an issue, with state appropriation, the "Vet Quadrangle" (currently known as Lagomarcino Hall) was built on the north side of campus. The Quadrangle consisted of four buildings connected by corridors arranged around the central courtyard. A fifth building was than constructed further north and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory was completed in 1956.
As the college continued to grow, the faculty became dissatisfied with the old name for the college, the "Division of Veterinary Medicine". In a 1933 report, the Dean
of Veterinary Medicine, Charles Henry Stange commented:
The Quadrangle was the veterinary school's primarily buildings for 64 years until overcrowding once again became an issue. Plans were developed for a new facility on a tract of land adjacent to the Veterinary Medical Research Institute just north of Highway 30. The new facility was completed in 1976 at a cost of just over $25 million. Dedication ceremonies were held in the fall in which President Gerald Ford
, among other state and national dignitaries, attended.
, with over 347,000 square-feet. A new veterinary medical center (completed 2008), built onto the south-east side of the building, adds another 218000 square feet (20,252.9 m²) onto a massive veterinary medical center & teaching facility. Although it only has two floors, ISU VET MED building has more square-footage than the second tallest building in the state, the 35 floor Ruan Center
in Des Moines.
Iowa State University
Iowa State University of Science and Technology, more commonly known as Iowa State University , is a public land-grant and space-grant research university located in Ames, Iowa, United States. Iowa State has produced astronauts, scientists, and Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, along with a host of...
's College of Veterinary Medicine was established in 1879 and is the oldest veterinary college in the United States. Iowa State has graduated 6,400 veterinarians and is one of the largest veterinary research facilities in the nation.
History
Officially formed in 1879, Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine can trace its history back to the school's founding in 1858, when state legislator's specified that veterinary studies would be included in the subjects of instruction. SeniorSenior (education)
Senior is a term used in the United States to describe a student in the 4th year of study .-High school:...
s of ISU's first graduating class in 1872, received instruction in veterinary science, but it wasn't until 1879 that degrees were offered in that subject. The ISU veterinary school was the first state veterinary college in the United States. Other private veterinary colleges all closed by the 1920s, leaving ISU as the oldest veterinary college still in operation in the United States.
Originally, the degree programs offered were only two year programs, but with expanded coursework, the program was extended to three years in 1887 and to four years by 1903 (making Iowa State the nation’s first four-year veterinary school).
In 1885, veterinary classes were held in the "Sanitary Building," which was located where the current ISU Memorial Union now stands. In 1893 the veterinary department was moved to the "Old Agricultural Hall" or "Botany Hall", today known as Catt Hall
Catt Hall
Catt Hall is an administrative building completed in 1893, at Iowa State University which currently houses the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, and the Carrie Chapman Center for Women and Politics. The building is named for Carrie Chapman...
.
By 1912, overcrowding became an issue, with state appropriation, the "Vet Quadrangle" (currently known as Lagomarcino Hall) was built on the north side of campus. The Quadrangle consisted of four buildings connected by corridors arranged around the central courtyard. A fifth building was than constructed further north and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory was completed in 1956.
As the college continued to grow, the faculty became dissatisfied with the old name for the college, the "Division of Veterinary Medicine". In a 1933 report, the Dean
Dean (education)
In academic administration, a dean is a person with significant authority over a specific academic unit, or over a specific area of concern, or both...
of Veterinary Medicine, Charles Henry Stange commented:
To rename the college, it required making the other divisions within Iowa State college into separate colleges also. On July 4, 1959, the change was finally made and since the "Division of Veterinary Medicine" is now called the "College of Veterinary Medicine."
"the advisability of changing the Division of Veterinary Medicine to "College of Veterinary Medicine" has been discussed for years.... Apparently we have a "College of Veterinary Medicine" at Iowa State in fact but not in name...It is our earnest hope that this correction be made at an early date."
The Quadrangle was the veterinary school's primarily buildings for 64 years until overcrowding once again became an issue. Plans were developed for a new facility on a tract of land adjacent to the Veterinary Medical Research Institute just north of Highway 30. The new facility was completed in 1976 at a cost of just over $25 million. Dedication ceremonies were held in the fall in which President Gerald Ford
Gerald Ford
Gerald Rudolph "Jerry" Ford, Jr. was the 38th President of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977, and the 40th Vice President of the United States serving from 1973 to 1974...
, among other state and national dignitaries, attended.
Facilities
Built in 1976, VET MED is the largest academic building at Iowa State UniversityIowa State University
Iowa State University of Science and Technology, more commonly known as Iowa State University , is a public land-grant and space-grant research university located in Ames, Iowa, United States. Iowa State has produced astronauts, scientists, and Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, along with a host of...
, with over 347,000 square-feet. A new veterinary medical center (completed 2008), built onto the south-east side of the building, adds another 218000 square feet (20,252.9 m²) onto a massive veterinary medical center & teaching facility. Although it only has two floors, ISU VET MED building has more square-footage than the second tallest building in the state, the 35 floor Ruan Center
Ruan Center
The Ruan Center is a high rise located in Des Moines, Iowa. It was built by Ruan Transportation and is located along Grand Avenue in the downtown area of the city. Completed in 1975 and standing at 460 ft , it was the tallest building in Iowa until the completion of 801 Grand in 1991 and is...
in Des Moines.