Clemson opens applications for first veterinary college class

Although the campus is still under construction, metaphorical doors have opened to the first cohort of home-grown South Carolina veterinarians.

The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine opened applications after an Oct. 8 “letter or reasonable assurance” for accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, according to a Clemson University announcement.

Clemson is building a new campus for the college at the edge of the Clemson Forest in Pendleton. Applications will be accepted over the next few weeks, according to a news release. Deadline to apply is Nov. 17.

The college will welcome its first class of veterinary students in 2026, offering a degree designed to prepare graduates to meet critical health needs across South Carolina.

“Today is a very exciting day for Clemson University and the state of South Carolina,” Clemson President Jim Clements said in the release. “The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine‘s application window is now open, and we are one step closer to welcoming our very first Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students to campus in the fall of 2026. I am grateful for the tremendous support of our elected officials, faculty and staff, community partners and our Clemson family who have all been instrumental in helping us arrive at this major milestone.”

The college was established to address the shortage of veterinarians in the state, particularly in rural and agricultural communities, according to the release.

“Opening applications for our first class is an extraordinary step forward for the university and for South Carolina,” Founding Dean Steven Marks said in the release. “Our mission is to prepare world-class veterinarians who will advance animal health, support agriculture and strengthen communities in our state and beyond. The students will be prepared to enter the workforce on day one after graduation or pursue their education further to become specialized.”

Dozens of clinical partners around the state will provide vital experiential learning for students’ fourth year, the release stated.

“It has been an incredible journey building a college from the ground up,” Marks said in the release. “This team has pulled together and worked tirelessly to make it to this milestone. Of course, I’m grateful to the lawmakers and industry professionals who have supported us along the way. What an amazing experience, and we are just getting started.”