30 Mar 2025 Lyon’s College prepares to open state’s first School of Veterinary Medicine 

Posted at 5:23 PMh in Features by

A new day is dawning for veterinary education in Arkansas. Lyon College is establishing a School of Veterinary Medicine in Cabot (Lonoke County), with the first cohort of 120 students expected in the fall of 2026.

Lyon College, located in Batesville (Independence County) and the City of Cabot unveiled architectural renderings for the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine (LCSVM) and Cabot Animal Support Services on Feb. 10 at the Cabot Justice Center. The renderings represent a significant step forward in establishing the state’s first graduate veterinary program, which will be located alongside the planned Cabot Animal Support Services center.

“This is an exciting day for Cabot and the state of Arkansas,” Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade said. “The Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine will enhance education and animal healthcare while showcasing the potential of public-private partnerships. This project will have lasting benefits for our community and the veterinary field.”

Many people attended the ribbon-cutting event to learn about the proposed School of Veterinary Medicine.

The 20-acre campus will feature state-of-the-art facilities designed to support veterinary education and community animal care services. Groundbreaking is scheduled for this spring, with the first cohort of students expected to begin classes in fall 2026, pending accreditation by the Council on Education (COE) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Lyon College hosted a consultative site visit from the COE Nov. 5-9, 2023, and is awaiting a comprehensive visit to be scheduled. The proposed program plans to continue to admit a class of 120 new students each fall.

In December 2024, Lyon College and the City of Cabot signed a lease agreement to formalize their collaboration. The agreement outlines plans for a facility that will combine academic training with community-based animal services. The new campus will include: a 48,000 square foot, two-story classroom building; a 41,000 square foot clinical building; a 16,000 square foot large animal facility with pasture space; and a 4,000 square foot ambulatory bay.

Lyon College President Melissa Taverner emphasized the importance of the partnership. “Lyon College is proud to work with the City of Cabot to bring this visionary project to life,” Dr. Taverner said. “The School of Veterinary Medicine will prepare students to address critical needs in their communities while advancing the veterinary profession. We’re particularly inspired by the enthusiasm of our current and future Pre-veterinary and animal sciences students at Lyon College, who represent the bright future of this field.”

The Cabot Animal Support Services center will also be located on the campus, providing essential animal health services to the community and offering students hands-on learning opportunities. “This collaboration is an exciting step forward for animal care and education,” said Director of Animal Services Mike Wheeler. “The Cabot Animal Support Services center will expand access to compassionate care while serving as a training hub for future veterinary professionals.”

Dr. Eleanor Green is the founding dean of Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Eleanor Green, founding dean of the LCSVM, said the program will set a new standard for veterinary education and community engagement. “The [School] will combine academic excellence with real-world experience to create a model for innovation in veterinary training,” Green said. “By partnering with Cabot, we’re building a program that will benefit both students and the community.”

Cabot Director of Economic Development Alicia Payseno said the project will strengthen the city’s reputation as a leader in education and healthcare. “This initiative is a major investment in Cabot’s future,” Payseno said. “The [School] and the Cabot Animal Support Services center will drive economic growth, improve access to health care and position our city as a hub of opportunity.”

Cabot Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Gina Jones (from left), Membership and Events Coordinator Rachel Abbott, Director of Economic Development Alicia Payseno and Office Manager Candy Miller.

WDD Architects of North Little Rock are designing the space. Baldwin & Shell Construction Company of Little Rock is the construction manager.

Lyon College is working to be a pioneer college, bringing not only LCSVM but also another first-of-its-kind degree program to the state by developing a School of Dental Medicine.