As 2025 draws to a close, Clemson University’s Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine celebrates an extraordinary year marked by progress, innovation and purpose. From campus construction to welcoming new staff and faculty and building partnerships across the state, South Carolina’s first and only college of veterinary medicine continues to grow into its mission: advancing animal health, strengthening rural communities and transforming lives statewide and beyond.
Scholarship Support The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine kicked off the year with gusto to pursue our goal of providing scholarships to support to all 80 of our first class of students. We’ve made amazing progress but we’re not at our goal yet. Our progress so far would not be possible without the generous support from our community. If you’d like to support our college, please reach out to Leigh Randall, Director of Development and Unit Lead at lfurtic@clemson.edu.
Construction Update Walls began going up on two (The Quattlebaum Hub and Clinical Teaching) of our seven buildings in our new complex. The Quattlebaum Hub will be a vibrant center where students can attend classes, study and engage with each other. The Clinical Teaching Building will house several labs and serve as the home for the small animal Community Clinic, where the public can access veterinary care. The Research Building will house faculty and graduate student offices, as well as research labs dedicated to advancing veterinary science. The Ambulatory Service Building will have a significant impact on the Upstate region, providing fourth-year students with vital clinical rotation experience on area farms as mobile veterinarians. The Equine Teaching Building will offer students a dedicated space to practice and learn about equine health in a safe and controlled environment. The Farm Animal Teaching Building will include specialized spaces essential for training students in farm animal care.
March
Beam Signing Ceremony The college celebrated another milestone on March 21. In partnership with Turner Construction, architects LS3P+Flad and Clemson Leadership, the team celebrated construction progress with a beam signing ceremony. With the frame of the Quattlebaum Hub in the background, a bright orange beam was adorned with dozens of signatures. They represented the hard work and teamwork put into this endeavor so far. The beam was placed as part of the roof framing.
April
Inspiring Future Veterinarians On March 28, Dr. Nicki Wise (Associate Dean of Academic Affairs) and Dr. Tajuan Sellars (Director of Admissions and Student Services) had the opportunity to participate in Career Day at Clemson Elementary. They engaged students in an interactive lesson about the heart and its sounds. This was one of several career day events that faculty and staff attended this year. Not only are we engaging with our community in a positive way, but we are also hopefully inspiring the next generation of veterinarians.
May
Supporter Spotlight May 15 was a memorable evening celebrating the college graciously hosted by Mike and Alicia Mansuetti. Supporters, veterinarians and students came together to reflect on how much progress has been made in building South Carolina’s first College of Veterinary Medicine. The gathering was filled with energy, pride and a shared sense of purpose as the Clemson Family united in support of this historic and transformative endeavor.
June
Accreditation Visit June 1-5 was a pivotal week for the college. The American Veterinary Medicine Association Council on Education conducted their comprehensive visit. This included a variety of presentations about everything from curriculum to student services to the clinical partner network. The COE toured Clemson’s farm facilities and even toured several clinical partner practices. This was all to evaluate the effectiveness and soundness of our DVM degree. On October 15, the college received official word that the COE, approving of the program, provided us our letter of reasonable assurance. This paved the way to launch our application window and welcome our inaugural class of students in the Fall of 2026.
July
Media Partners In early July, Dean Marks travelled to Rock Hill, SC, to chat with WRHI Radio and CN2 News’ Manning Kimmel. They had a great conversation about South Carolina’s first college of veterinary medicine! They set up shop at the Sub Station on Cherry Rd. for a live radio interview for “Straight Talk with Manning Kimmel.” The conversation covered a variety of topics, including the need for veterinarians in the state, progress on building the college so far and how we see our students going on to impact the world of veterinary medicine. This was one of many interviews with radio, tv and print reporters and podcasters this year. We appreciate our media partners who’ve helped tell our story and share this historic journey with their audiences!
August
First Day of Class Our college kicked off this new school year having reached many exciting milestones. Among those is welcoming our largest group of new faculty and staff to the college. We spent several days in early August building relationships, learning important information about the college and Clemson University and, most importantly, having fun!
“We are excited to welcome our new faculty and staff to the Clemson family,” said Dean Steven Marks. “There’s something in these hills, and we’re so grateful to be growing and evolving as a college!”
September
Paying Tribute to Beloved Pets On National Pet Memorial Day, observed the second Sunday in September, we paused to remember the pets who’ve brought joy, comfort and unconditional love into our lives. These companions hold a permanent place in our hearts, and their memories inspire us to live with the same loyalty and compassion they showed us. By making a gift to our college in memory of your beloved companion, you help us advance our mission to train the next generation of veterinary professionals. Learn more and donate HERE.
October
History in the Making October 9 was a historic day for Clemson University and South Carolina. The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine officially opened its application window, welcoming future veterinarians to apply to the state’s first and only college of veterinary medicine. The admissions process has begun and offer letters will go out to students in February. This first class of DVM students will begin in Fall 2026, preparing to serve communities statewide and beyond.
November
Naming of the Hub and Pavilion November 21 was an incredible day for our college, Clemson University and the state of South Carolina! With a $16.5 million gift from Don Quattlebaum ’76, the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine has received its largest private donation.
The Quattlebaum’s donation will support multiple areas of the College, including the centerpiece of the College – the newly named Quattlebaum Hub, a state-of-the-art building featuring classroom space, conference rooms, a library, and a bookstore. In addition to the Quattlebaum Hub, the Andy Quattlebaum Pavilion, named for Don and Hayden Quattlebaum’s beloved son, will serve as a serene outdoor space on campus. His gift will also ensure that the College will attract top-tier faculty members through the Don and Hayden Quattlebaum Endowed Professorship and through an unrestricted endowment to address the College’s most pressing needs.
December
On December 12, we wrapped up this year with our largest group of staff and faculty at our holiday party at the Barnes Center. It was a fabulous day of friendship and fellowship. Our team continues to grow. We have dozens more positions that we’ll need to fill in the coming year. It’s so inspiring to be surrounded by colleagues who are dedicated to the mission and proud to be making history together.
