FAMU Schedules Ribbon-Cutting for New Animal Healthcare Complex

The doors of opportunity will soon open wider for students seeking a career in animal science, pre-veterinary medicine and veterinary technology at Florida A&M University (FAMU).

On May 5, from 10 a.m. to noon, the FAMU College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA) will host a formal ribbon-cutting and building dedication ceremony for the recently constructed Animal Healthcare Complex, located at the FAMU Research and Development Center in Quincy, Fla.

The Complex is a teaching and research facility that features a fully functional animal medicine clinic with a wet laboratory for student instruction, a computer laboratory and classroom, and a surgery suite with video conference capability that provides access for students to view and participate in surgical procedures while simultaneously broadcasting the procedure to other institutions around the world.

With the completion of a new animal health care facility, FAMU is poised to make a significant impact on increasing the number of minorities prepared to be successful in the three academic program options and to continue in the field of veterinary medicine.

Thomas Peterson, D.V.M., extension veterinarian, is proud of the strategic plan underway to develop a stronger program for students through cutting edge resources.

“The Animal Healthcare Complex will be equipped with the most advanced veterinary diagnostic equipment such as our digital x-ray suite which will allow us to radiograph animals and instantly ascertain if there is a medical problem that needs immediate attention," Peterson said. “It is this state-of-the art equipment that will allow us to provide the best training for our students while delivering the highest level of medical treatment for the animals.”

Peterson said the facility enhances the university’s ability to implement the land-grant concept of teaching, research and extension. Students will be able to receive pertinent hands-on training as well as participate in the Cooperative Extension Program’s herd health program to support local small farmers and food processors.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cooperative Extension Research funded the construction project for approximately $1.2 million. A Tallahassee architectural firm, Johnson and Peterson, conceptualized the design for the building.

The complex mirrors the most advanced technology for large animal clinics, and houses small ruminants, cattle, swine, and equine species for use in teaching.

For more information, contact Thomas Peterson, FAMU Cooperative Extension Program, at (850) 599-3546 or by email at thomas.peterson@famu.edu.