Clemson University dedicated the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine on Friday, Oct. 16, celebrating the opening of a new college and campus designed to strengthen veterinary care and public health in South Carolina.
The College welcomed its inaugural class of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students in August. The 80-student class includes 60 South Carolina residents as the program will help meet the state’s need for veterinary professionals and bring specialized veterinary and public health expertise to communities across the Palmetto State.
“The dedication of the new Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine marks a historic moment for Clemson University and for South Carolina,” said Ben Ayers, President of Clemson University. “This college reflects Clemson’s land-grant mission and our responsibility to strengthen animal health and agriculture across our state through veterinary education. It is an investment in the future of South Carolina – in the veterinarians we will prepare, the research we will advance and the communities and industries we will serve.”
President Ben Ayers
A campus designed for learning
The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine was designed to create an innovative learning environment for Clemson’s first veterinary students and generations to come. The campus spans approximately 50 acres and follows the property’s natural landscape. With an elevation change of about 200 feet across the site, its eight buildings follow the existing terrain and preserve surrounding tree-save areas near the Clemson University Forest.
The campus includes five buildings on the main campus, the central pavilion, and separate equine and farm animal teaching facilities. Together, these spaces connect education, clinical training, research and student life. LS3P + Flad led the design, with Cindy Benjamin serving as lead architect and a team of approximately 90 people contributing to the project.
At the heart of campus
The Quattlebaum Hub is a central gathering place where students can attend classes, study, collaborate and connect with faculty and one another. The Hub is named for Don Quattlebaum, a devoted alumnus and advocate for veterinary education. Its design allows each floor to be accessed from ground level, following the slope of the property.
Student wellness also shaped the campus design. Wellness suites, spaces to relax and socialize, and outdoor areas — including the Andy Quattlebaum Pavilion and balcony — give students places to take a break from the demands of veterinary school.
“Clemson is so grateful for the investment of the Quattlebaums in creating special places on our campuses,” said Brian O’Rourke, senior vice president for advancement. “With their most recent gift, their generosity has touched three of our campuses. The hub and pavilion will be a part of every Clemson veterinary student’s experience from the very first class forward. And that is something incredibly special.”
Philanthropic impact
The Quattlebaums’ gift also supports academic leadership through the Don and Hayden Quattlebaum Endowed Professorship. Established as an unrestricted endowment, it gives the College flexibility to direct funding toward its highest priorities and most pressing needs as it grows.
Philanthropic gifts from members of the Clemson Family like the Darla Moore Foundation have helped establish the College and support the next generation of veterinary leaders. Scholarships given to the inaugural class include the Darla Moore Scholars of Veterinary Medicine program which covers fees and living expenses for up to four years for six students. Additionally, every member of the inaugural class received financial assistance through a scholarship.
“It is so special to be one of the 80 students in this inaugural cohort,” said Anika Parvataneni ’30, student representative during the Ribbon Cutting. “We come from many different backgrounds and experiences but 60 of us are from the state of South Carolina. Until this year, 60 of our 80 students would have had to leave the state to attend veterinary school.”
As the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine begins this new chapter, Clemson is preparing veterinarians to meet the needs of South Carolina and make a lasting impact across the state.
“What an incredible journey this has been for our College, the University and the State of South Carolina,” said Founding Dean, Steven Marks. “I’m proud to lead such a talented team that has created a rigorous DVM program that will challenge and inspire these future veterinarians. We know the needs that these students will address when they graduate and go into the workforce. We’re proud to answer the call to serve the people animals and communities across the state.”
