The school celebrates a pivotal achievement in the final step of its accreditation
process.
CREATORS
Texas Tech University’s School of Veterinary Medicine has officially been granted the status of Accredited by the American Veterinary Medical
Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE). This makes the School of Veterinary
Medicine one of only 31 veterinary schools to be fully accredited in the U.S.
“This achievement marks a defining moment for Texas Tech University and for veterinary
education in Texas,” said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. “Accreditation affirms the quality of our faculty, the dedication of our students
and the innovative model that has guided the School of Veterinary Medicine from the
beginning. This recognition reflects years of hard work and collaboration and reinforces
our commitment to serving the needs of rural and regional communities across the state.
I congratulate Dean (Guy) Loneragan and all the faculty, staff and students who have contributed to this achievement.”
Being granted the status of accredited marks the transition from a developing program
to one that is nationally recognized for meeting standards, missions and goals. It
also provides assurance for students that the education provided will prepare them
for their licensure to practice as a veterinarian in the U.S.
Guy Loneragan
“Today we celebrate achieving something truly historic. Across well over a century
of veterinary education in the U.S., we are now one of a select few,” said Loneragan,
dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. “At the core of this achievement is the
belief in our purpose, and a belief in providing opportunity for those who will achieve
this purpose – our students.”
The school’s journey toward accreditation began by leaning heavily on the expertise
of John Dascanio, professor of theriogenology for the School of Veterinary Medicine. With years of
experience, he joined the school in 2019 as the senior associate dean for student
and academic affairs to help build the vet school and contributed greatly to the accreditation
process that began eight years ago.
John Dascanio
“Achieving full accreditation is a tremendous accomplishment for the School of Veterinary
Medicine and one that has taken a team of faculty, staff and students years to achieve,”
Dascanio said. “As the 31st accredited U.S. veterinary program, the school joins an
elite group. I am so very proud of all the work everyone has put into this, especially
Britt Conklin’s team, and I am thankful for the vision that Guy Loneragan has led.”
Britt Conklin
The school was established in 2018 with a singular purpose to serve the veterinary
educational and service needs of rural and regional communities and provide access
to affordable, high-quality education. In August 2021, the school opened its door
to welcome the inaugural class.
In May 2025, the school graduated its first class with 97% passing the North American
Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and 95% entering veterinary practices serving
rural and regional communities.
“Texas Tech University and the Texas Tech University System are doing great things,
and we are so fortunate to be a part of their success,” Loneragan said. “And I know
I am so fortunate to work with and serve an amazing group of students, staff and faculty.
Today is most definitely worth celebrating!”