HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 55

(By Delegates Hamrick and Ferrell)

[Introduced March 16, 2021]

Requesting the Higher Education Policy Commission to study the feasibility of creating an accredited school of veterinary medicine with coordination between Fairmont State University, Glenville State College and/or the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

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

Whereas, One strategy identified by the West Virginia Agriculture Advisory Board in its 2018 Strategic Plan for long-term growth of this industry is the need for enhanced collaboration between academic agencies and groups involved in agriculture; and

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

Whereas, Fairmont State University, Glenville State College, and/or the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine could move forward with a single school of veterinary medicine to increase educational opportunities within the state and attract students from outside the state for purposes of a specialized program of study; therefore be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Higher Education Policy Commission study the feasibility of creating an accredited school of veterinary medicine with coordination between Fairmont State University, Glenville State College, and/or the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, or any combination of these institutions in collaboration; and be it

Further Resolved,

That any such study focus on the most efficient and practical use of existing programs of study at Fairmont State University, Glenville State College, and/or the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and the opportunity to develop and retain large animal veterinarians within the state; and be it

 Further Resolved,

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

Further Resolved,

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