Colorado State University (CSU) officially opened its new Veterinary Hospital and Education Complex on October 1, marking a significant advancement in veterinary education and patient care. The facility, which cost $230 million, is located near Drake Road and expands the university's existing veterinary hospital program. It is anticipated to serve approximately 42,000 patients each year, according to a press release.
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The project began construction in early 2024 and aims to accommodate a larger number of students in CSU's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) program. Morgan Berner-Jones, a fourth-year D.V.M. student ambassador, expressed her excitement about the new facility, stating that she watched it come to life and that it aligns with a vision she has had since her first year.
The complex will feature the newly developed Ascend D.V.M. curriculum, emphasizing early clinical engagement, hands-on experience, and classroom involvement. This innovative curriculum allows students to begin working with patients during their first year of veterinary school, rather than waiting until their third year, with the goal of improving their readiness for careers post-graduation.
Key figures at the grand opening included CSU President Amy Parsons, who spoke about the significant impact of the new facility and thanked the donors for their support. She stated, "Today we aren’t simply opening a remarkable new facility. We’re making a statement about the future of veterinary medicine and about Colorado State University’s intention to help lead it."
Addressing the pressing veterinary shortage in Colorado, which has seen over 65% of livestock producers struggle to find services this past year, Parsons highlighted the importance of the new complex. Additionally, Colorado Governor Jared Polis addressed the issue and spoke on state initiatives designed to support animal health.
Gov. Polis highlighted Colorado House Bill 24-1231, which allocated $50 million for the facility's construction, and expressed optimism that this new complex will enable the training of a larger number of veterinarians and the nation's first class of veterinary professional associates.
The new facility will increase the capacity of the D.V.M. program by 20% each year, aiming for a total of 174 students in the Fall 2026 class. This expansion reflects CSU's recognition as one of the nation's top veterinary programs, ranked third by U.S. News & World Report for 2026-27. Other notable speakers at the event included U.S. Congressman Joe Neguse and Dr. Chad Johannes, the executive director of clinical care at the vet teaching hospital.