Committee Substitute

for

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 55

(By Delegates Hamrick and Ferrell)

[Introduced March 16, 2021]

Requesting that a Special Interim Committee on Higher Education be established to study the viability of creating an accredited school of veterinary medicine in West Virginia. 

Whereas, West Virginia’s residents, farmers, and students will benefit from the creation of a formal, nationally accredited school of veterinary medicine; and 

Whereas, Current student enrollment and interest in animal and nutritional science programs at state colleges and universities is indicative of the need for a formal program and school of veterinary medicine within the state; and  

Whereas, West Virginia currently supplements the tuition of approximately 50 West Virginia students per year who attend Veterinary schools at Virginia Tech and Mississippi State University due to West Virginia not having a School of Veterinary Medicine; 

Whereas, West Virginia has a rich history of agriculture, and the state is committed to developing a sustainable plan to maximize the agricultural sector for economic growth and prosperity, including the development and retention of large animal veterinarians to serve our state’s growing agriculture industry; and 

Whereas, There exists a need for educated and experienced professionals within the state to support the long-term prosperity of the agricultural industry; therefore, be it 

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Special Interim Committee on Higher Education work in collaboration with the Higher Education Policy Commission and additional stakeholders, including representatives from West Virginia institutions of higher education, to study the viability of creating an accredited school of veterinary medicine as a standalone institution or as a collaboration between existing West Virginia institutions of higher education; and be it 

Further Resolved,

That any such study shall focus on the most efficient and practical use of existing programs of study at West Virginia institutions of higher education and the opportunity to incorporate these programs in a manner to prepare students for a pathway of veterinary medicine, and develop and retain veterinarians within the state; and be it 

 Further Resolved,  

That such study includes a report on all barriers and impediments to creating an accredited school of veterinary medicine; and be it 

Further Resolved,  

That the final report of such committee shall be presented to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance of the West Virginia Legislature on or before January 1, 2022.