Description

The University of Minnesota, with its four campuses, is one of the most comprehensive universities in the country and ranks among the most prestigious universities in the United States. It is a state land-grant university, with a strong tradition of education and public service, and a major research institution, with scholars of national and international reputation.

The Morrill Act, or Land-Grant Act, signed into law by President Lincoln in 1862, has played a big part in the University's survival. The Act gave each state a grant of land within its borders. The income from the land was to be used to provide education for people of the state.

In 1945, there were only 403 practicing veterinarians in Minnesota. At that time, a group lobbied the Minnesota Legislature to open a University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine. On April 28, 1947, the legislature funded the vision. The first class of 24 students began their studies in 1950.

The College of Veterinary Medicine is one of the few in the United States located in the center of a large metropolitan area and in a state that ranks very high in several areas of animal agriculture, including dairy, swine, and turkey production.

The College has a long tradition of training veterinary and graduate students. It offers the D.V.M. degree, M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in basic and clinical sciences and a variety of clinical internship and residency training opportunities.

The College's faculty is nationally and internationally recognized for teaching and research excellence, discovering new knowledge, and providing consultative and referral services to the livestock industry and veterinary practitioners.

In 2001, there were 2,777 practicing veterinarians (with an additional 733 veterinarians who held inactive licenses) in Minnesota. The College of Veterinary Medicine has trained more than 3,164 veterinarians since its inception. These veterinarians affect our lives every day by promoting healthier Minnesotans, healthier animals, and a healthier economy.