UMES Receives Approval to Establish Maryland's First In-State Veterinary School

This letter allows UMES to initiate the admissions process, though applications are not yet open. Details regarding application dates and submission instructions will be announced soon. UMES will host Maryland's first veterinary school, becoming the first such institution at a public historically Black college or university (HBCU).

Dr. Stanley Robertson, dean of the UMES School of Veterinary Medicine, emphasized that the program will be a demanding, year-round, three-year curriculum that combines early hands-on learning with clinical experience tailored to meet community needs. He noted that the school plans to utilize the Eastern Shore's agricultural environment alongside a network of clinical partners to prepare students effectively for veterinary practice.

The Letter of Reasonable Assurance indicates that UMES has a favorable outlook for achieving full accreditation, although this letter does not confer accreditation. Following enrollment, the program will continue through the AVMA’s accreditation process as students progress.

This decision comes after a comprehensive site visit by the COE in June, where the evaluation team assessed the university’s readiness across various standards, including organization, finances, facilities, curriculum, and faculty. UMES President Heidi M. Anderson remarked that this affirmation places UMES in a strong position to address the increasing demand for veterinarians in the region.

The DVM program is designed to be completed in three years, integrating case-based instruction, clinical skills training, and supervised experiences across diverse practice settings. This structure aims to expose students to a variety of species and career pathways while ensuring consistent academic and clinical standards.

The curriculum will prepare graduates for roles in companion-animal care, agriculture, public health, and research within the veterinary field. Interested applicants are encouraged to check the School of Veterinary Medicine's website for updates regarding admissions.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is recognized as one of the top public HBCUs, delivering affordable educational access and fostering innovations in agriculture, science, pharmacy, and engineering.