CSU Opens New Veterinary Hospital and Education Complex

The event showcased CSU's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the university's football team's tee-retrieving dog, Wonder, and a champagne toast for attendees.

CSU President Amy Parsons expressed the significance of the occasion. "There are moments in the life of a university when we get to see our ambitions become tangible … and this is one of those moments. 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."

Established in 1907, CSU's veterinary science program is consistently ranked among the best globally. In the 2026-2027 rankings, U.S. News & World Report placed it third, while the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research named it the top veterinary research institute for the past two years.

Dean Susan VandeWoude emphasized the program's commitment to excellence, stating, "We really aspire to be the best in the country, but not just because we are competitive... We want to do the best we can for the community, our staff and students and our patients."

Funding for the new facility was sourced from the university, the state of Colorado, and private fundraising efforts. The complex spans 213,000 square feet and includes 24 new exam rooms, active-learning classrooms, an expanded primary care suite, a new livestock hospital, a small animal isolation unit, and wellness resources for students and faculty, such as human and animal-centric lighting and a nap room.

CSU officials noted that the facility’s design was intentional, with plans to pursue certification under the WELL Building Standard to become the nation’s first certified veterinary hospital. Chad Johannes, executive director of clinical care for the CSU Veterinary Health System, highlighted the importance of the facility in enhancing patient care.

Alongside the new facility, CSU is introducing a revised curriculum for incoming veterinary students, known as the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Ascent Curriculum. This program focuses on team-based learning and hands-on training, mirroring educational approaches in human medicine. The updates will allow CSU to increase veterinary student enrollment by 20%, adding approximately 30 students each year amidst a demand for veterinary professionals.

Kristen Davenport, chief of staff for the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, noted the upgrades in educational spaces, stating, "The fact that we are able to upgrade some of our hospital facilities is a huge benefit for our students, clinicians, and all the patients we treat."

Governor Polis remarked on the significance of the new facility, highlighting its role in providing a pathway for students into high-demand careers while delivering top-tier veterinary services.