This wasn’t a typical move-in day; this marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine (PCVM), Clemson University and the state of South Carolina.
On Saturday, August 1, faculty and staff officially moved into the college’s new home, marking another milestone as Clemson University prepares to welcome its inaugural Doctor of Veterinary Medicine class in a few short weeks.
With a custom playlist of nostalgic music playing in the background, the day was all about celebration and purpose as teammates received the key to their new office, a commemorative PCVM challenge coin and a handwritten note from Founding DeanSteven Marks, welcoming them into the new campus they have spent months and years bringing to life.
“What an incredible journey this has been,” said Dean Marks. “When we started, there were a handful of us working in borrowed space, building a team of faculty and staff, crafting a curriculum and collaborating to design a space that will serve generations of DVM students. To walk through the doors today is amazing.”
For employees, many of whom brought their families with them, stepping into their offices for the first time represented a tangible reminder that the vision for South Carolina’s first college of veterinary medicine has become a reality.
Before lunch, faculty and staff gathered for a group photo in the grand foyer of the Quattlebaum Hub, capturing one of the first official images of the team together in their permanent home.
“I was honored to address our team and their families before we enjoyed lunch together,” said Marks. “There are too many people to thank and recognize for all the work done in building our college. We’ve created more than buildings; we’re the architects of a culture prioritizing academics, servant leadership and compassion. I couldn’t ask for a better team to bring this all together.”
The move represents one of the final milestones before students arrive on campus on August 17, as faculty and staff continue preparing classrooms, laboratories, clinical spaces, student services resources and collaborative space for the college’s inaugural semester.
As the doors officially opened to those who will teach, support and inspire future veterinarians, Saturday’s celebration served as both a recognition of how far the college has come and an exciting glimpse of what’s ahead as the college pioneers a new era of veterinary medicine in the state of South Carolina.
“The only thing missing are the students,” said Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Nicki Wise. “Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the inaugural class has everything they need to successfully start their veterinary career. We are ready to welcome them to their new home!”
View more photos HERE.
