Governor Abbott Approves Funds for Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine at Amarillo Campus

The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation has pledged up to $69 million toward completion of the project

On Saturday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott authorized a budget approved by the Texas Legislature that will allocate $17.35 million in operational funding for the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine (TTUSVM) in Amarillo, a move that will strengthen the school’s existing educational investment in the High Plains while providing additional opportunities for students and animal health professionals who live and work in the community.

 

 

“We applaud the Texas Legislature and Governor Abbott’s hard work throughout the session in order to pass a budget that allocates financial support to the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine,” said Laura Street, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (Amarillo EDC). “Our Board pledged to support as much as $69 million to this project from the beginning because we understand the significant long-term educational and industrial opportunities it will bring to our community.”

According to a report from the Amarillo Globe-News, only 3 percent of the state’s large-animal veterinarians serve rural Texas counties. With the opening of its School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University plans to address this shortage by offering a new model for veterinary education in Texas, setting up a distributive approach, rather than using a teaching hospital, that would see veterinarians partner with the school for hands-on clinical training.

In addition to providing new educational opportunities for students and new jobs for educators and support staff, the opening of the School of Veterinary Medicine will offer an in-state alternative to students considering pursuing a degree elsewhere, thereby allowing them to put down roots in the Amarillo area and support the continued growth of small businesses throughout the city.

“By bringing Texas Tech University’s School of Veterinary Medicine to Amarillo, we are excited to continue to help our economic community grow and thrive as it caters to a whole new group of people from across the region,” said Kevin Carter, President and CEO of the Amarillo EDC. “Additionally, with the new veterinary school being co-located with a school of pharmacy and a school of medicine, the Amarillo EDC is excited at the economic development opportunities this project will usher into our area in the food safety and animal and human health sectors.”

For more information about the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, go to www.ttuvetmed.com

The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (Amarillo EDC) is the primary economic development engine of the Amarillo community, responsible for industry growth and job creation through business attraction and retention initiatives. The mission of the Amarillo EDC is to attract businesses to Amarillo which offer highly skilled, highly-paid positions; to expand and retain existing local businesses in Amarillo; and to foster a business environment conducive to entrepreneurship. Learn more at www.amarilloedc.com.