SCR95

A Concurrent Resolution expressing support for the new School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University.

Whereas, Rowan University is establishing New Jersey’s first school of veterinary sciences in response to increased national demand for veterinarians, veterinary specialists, and skilled technicians; and

Whereas, The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges predicted a shortage of 15,000 veterinarians nationwide by 2026; and

Whereas, Only 33 institutions of higher education in the United States offer programs for veterinary sciences, of which only five are located on the East Coast; and

Whereas, Rowan University is a respected institution with a focus on practical research at the intersection of medicine, engineering, science, business, and the environment; and

Whereas, The new School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University will offer New Jersey’s first Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, as well as graduate and undergraduate degrees, accelerated and dual M.S., M.B.A. and Ph.D. degree programs, an A.S. to B.S. degree pathway, and internship and residency opportunities; and

Whereas, The curriculum at the School of Veterinary Medicine will emphasize the development of career-ready professionals by providing students with hands-on experiences at an on-site veterinary teaching hospital; and

Whereas, The establishment of the School of Veterinary Medicine is an investment in New Jersey’s future that will allow the best and brightest veterinary students to remain in New Jersey while also attracting aspiring veterinarians from other states; and

Whereas, Many graduates of the School of Veterinary Medicine will choose to work and establish practices in New Jersey, providing much-needed animal health care and contributing to the economic development of New Jersey’s communities; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):

1. This Legislature expresses support for the establishment of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University and recognizes that the School of Veterinary Medicine will provide valuable new educational and career opportunities for residents of New Jersey.

2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the Governor of the State of New Jersey, to the President of Rowan University and the Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University.

STATEMENT

This resolution expresses support for the establishment of the new School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University, which will be the first institution of higher education in New Jersey to offer degree programs in veterinary sciences.

Nationwide, the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges in 2006 predicted a shortage of 15,000 veterinarians within the next 20 years. There are only 33 institutions of higher education in the United States which offer degree programs in veterinary sciences, of which only five are located on the East Coast. The new School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University will help to address the demand for veterinary professionals and will provide an opportunity for students in New Jersey to study veterinary sciences.

Rowan University is a respected institution with a focus on practical research at the intersection of medicine, engineering, science, business, and the environment. The curriculum at the School of Veterinary Medicine will focus on these principles while emphasizing the development of career-ready professionals by providing students with hands-on experiences at an on-site veterinary teaching hospital. The new School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University will offer New Jersey’s first Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, as well as graduate and undergraduate degrees, accelerated and dual M.S., M.B.A. and Ph.D. degree programs, an A.S. to B.S. degree pathway, and internship and residency opportunities.

The establishment of the School of Veterinary Medicine is an investment in New Jersey’s future that will allow the best and brightest veterinary students to remain in New Jersey while also attracting aspiring veterinarians from other states. Many graduates of the School of Veterinary Medicine will choose to work and establish practices in New Jersey, providing much-needed animal health care and contributing to the economic development of New Jersey’s communities. The new School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University will provide valuable educational and career opportunities for residents of New Jersey.