Long Island University was joined by New York governor Kathy Hochul to celebrate the opening of its new College of Veterinary Medicine Learning Center. Located on the university’s Brookville, Long Island campus, the two-story building comprises more than 33,000 square feet of research and educational space.

Long Island University invested $53 million to establish the College of Veterinary Medicine, which includes $26 million in construction costs for the learning center, with $12.75 million in funding provided by New York State to Long Island University for the new college. The College of Veterinary Medicine is the only veterinary program recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education in the New York metropolitan area and one of only four veterinary schools in the northeast United States.

“New York State’s investment in Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine underscores our commitment to meeting the growing demand for state-of-the-art veterinary services and ensuring New Yorkers have access to education and training for the career path of their choice,” governor Hochul said. “These new facilities, equipped with the latest technology and staffed by experienced educators, will provide students with the hands-on experience they need to become competent and compassionate veterinary professionals who can safeguard animal health and preserve the environment.”

Community leaders gather for the ribbon cutting of Long Island University’s Veterinary Medicine Learning Center – Courtesy Long Island University

Rendering of Long Island University’s Veterinary Medicine Learning Center – Courtesy of SBLM Architects

Rendering of a clinical skills laboratory inside the Long Island University Veterinary Medicine Learning Center – Courtesy of SBLM Architects

Rendering and section drawing illustrates the interiors of Long Island University’s Veterinary Medicine Learning Center – Courtesy of SBLM Architects

The Learning Center was designed by SBLM Architects to match the classical design of other campus buildings. To this end, the design team outfitted the building with a red brick façade with white-paned double-hung windows and white ornamental accents including lintels and cornices. The main entrance features elegant columns and arched windows that stretch the full height of the building.

Inside the building, students and researchers will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, large lecture halls, classrooms, and seminar rooms. There is also a small animal simulation suite including examination rooms, surgical suites, and a medical imaging center.

“The College of Veterinary Medicine has been a catalyst for Long Island University’s advancement as a top academic and research facility as part of Long Island’s world-class life science corridor, and it would not be possible without strong support from governor Hochul and Empire State Development,” said Long Island University president Dr. Kimberly R. Cline. “We are very proud of our new College of Veterinary Medicine facilities and connected clinical and research experiences, which provide students with significant opportunities to become leaders in veterinary medicine.”

Long Island University’s College of Veterinary Medicine program is currently in its third year and has enrolled approximately 300 students. The university hopes to expand that number to 450 students for the 2023-2024 academic year.