Construction has begun on the first college of veterinary medicine in South Carolina, the $285 million Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University.
The facility will be across from Clemson University’s Equine Center on West Queen Street in Pendleton.
It will be adjacent to the Clemson Experimental Forest.
Clemson University says the demand for veterinary services is growing in South Carolina.
"Excited they are building a vet school across the street," said Frannie Wilson, assistant manager with the Equine Center. "South Carolina doesn't have a college of vet medicine, so it's neat that we will be the first one in the state. Looking forward to the future. We're hoping it will bring more vets to the area."
The school will be named after Harvey S. Peeler of Gaffney, a 1970 Clemson graduate who has served as a senator in the South Carolina General Assembly since 1980.
“The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine will be an incredible asset not only for Clemson University but for the entire state of South Carolina, our region, and beyond,” said University President Jim Clements in a statement.
"Senator Peeler has passionately supported the development of a college of veterinary medicine for more than 20 years," Clemson Board Chair Kim Wilkerson said in a statement.
"His efforts throughout the process have been instrumental in developing this upcoming college at Clemson," Wilkerson said. "In recognition of his contributions to this historic development for Clemson and the entire state, our board is excited to name this newly founded college in his honor."
Peeler explained the reason for his support of the school.
"This is not just about education. It is about taking care of our animals, supporting our farmers, growing our economy, and filling the need for veterinarians in South Carolina," he said in a statement.
What to know about veterinarian shortage in South Carolina
According to Clemson University, a third of the counties in South Carolina have fewer than five veterinarians.
Additionally, 48 percent of the state counties have fewer than 10 veterinarians.
This shortage of veterinarians has driven the need for a dedicated educational institution.
The $285 million investment into the construction of Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine aims to address this demand by training the next generation of veterinarians to serve the local community and beyond.
What to know about Harvey S. Peeler Jr.'s enrollment capacity?
While qualified candidates apply to veterinary colleges, 500-1,000 are not admitted due to capacity shortages at existing colleges, according to Clemson University.
The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine aims to address this issue by accommodating a significant number of students.
Pending approval from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, the college plans to enroll its first students in Fall 2026.
Upon receiving accreditation, it is anticipated that the first class of veterinarians will graduate in 2030.
This timeline aligns with their goal of addressing the critical veterinarian shortage in South Carolina.
The college also plans to integrate Clemson University's existing animal health programs and infrastructure to enhance its curriculum and training.
This increased capacity will provide opportunities for more aspiring veterinarians to receive essential education and hands-on training.
Founding Director, Dean Steven Marks, emphasized the importance of preparing graduates to serve on their first day.
“Our goal is to create ready-to-serve veterinarians to serve communities around South Carolina," he said.
What to know about the construction
The project is overseen by a team of architects and construction managers specializing in educational facilities.
Additionally, university officials and veterinary experts are collaborating to ensure that the design meets the specific needs of veterinary education and training.
Here is a list of firms the team includes.
The facility is expected to be ready for occupancy in Fall 2026, which aligns with the college's scheduled class enrollment date.
Harvey S. Peeler Jr. Key components
The complex comprises six buildings designed to provide students with spaces for collaboration, hands-on learning, and personal growth.
The university's facility will feature several key components, including a hub for students to study and collaborate.
It will also include a clinical teaching building, a research building, and an ambulatory service building.
Additionally, dedicated Equine and Farm Animal Teaching Buildings will provide specialized training and education.
What to know about curriculum
Once accredited and approved, the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University will offer a comprehensive four-year curriculum, according to Clemson University.
It will equip students with a solid veterinary science foundation and focus on clinical and professional skills.
The first three years of the curriculum will be conducted on the newly constructed, state-of-the-art campus. The fourth year will allow students to become part of their communities through clinical clerkships.
This includes general practice to specialty to zoo medicine; students will experience and learn from a wide array of professionals.
Students will also benefit from the new facilities, enabling them to gain hands-on experience and engage in cutting-edge research throughout their education.
Click here to learn more about Clemson University Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine.
Education and healthcare contributions
Peeler Jr. is a prominent South Carolina politician who served in the state's Senate for several decades and is a dedicated cattle farmer in Gaffney who has operated the family-run Milky Way Dairy Farm.
His experience in agriculture and livestock management has influenced his contributions to veterinary education and healthcare.
Peeler Jr. is known for his contributions to education and healthcare in the state.
Goal is for 80 scholarships
Marks announced that 40 significant gifts had been raised to provide scholarships for 40 students. "We are halfway to our major goal of supporting 80 students in our first cohort with scholarship assistance," Marks said.
"These scholarship dollars will allow students to access high-quality education in veterinary medicine and help solve the state’s veterinarian shortage while minimizing student loan debt," Marks said.
"We want our students to be able to focus on their education without worrying about the cost of tuition," he said. "Furthermore, our first class of students will graduate in 2030 with less debt and more financial freedom, allowing them to enter the workforce ready to make a positive impact in the field."
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at [email protected].