Oklahoma State University (OSU) is set to construct a new veterinary teaching hospital designed to accommodate over 100 students, which exceeds the current capacity of its facility, originally built for 70. The 275,000-square-foot hospital will feature advanced imaging technologies, cancer treatment capabilities, and expanded facilities for large-animal care. This development comes as OSU faces a space challenge due to increasing class sizes.
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On September 8, 2026, OSU revealed the location for both the new veterinary hospital and an Agronomy Discovery Center, marking one of the largest investments in agriculture and animal health in the university’s history. In 2025, the state of Oklahoma granted OSU a $250 million appropriation for the veterinary facility, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing veterinary education, food security, and public health. The total estimated cost for the hospital is $330 million, and OSU plans to rely on private donations to support its various programs.
OSU President Jim Hess highlighted the significance of these projects, considering them key investments for the state’s future and integral to the university’s mission of education, research, and service. The new hospital will be situated on part of the current OSU Agronomy Research Station, located north of State Highway 51 in Stillwater. However, the northern section of the land will remain agricultural, preserving the historic Magruder Plots, vital for ongoing wheat research in the country.
The facility will be equipped to treat a wide range of patients, from pets to livestock, incorporating technologies such as CT and MRI imaging, radiography, ultrasound, and a linear accelerator for cancer treatment. This upgrade aims to provide veterinary students with access to state-of-the-art training and improve specialized care availability for animal owners throughout Oklahoma and neighboring states.
Dr. Richard Prather, dean of the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, emphasized that quality veterinary care is essential not just for animals but also for the food safety and sustainability of the region. He believes the modern teaching hospital will enhance OSU's standing and attract high-caliber students and faculty amid growing competition in veterinary education.
In conjunction with the hospital, agronomy research will transition to the new Agronomy Discovery Center, funded by a $40 million investment from the Oklahoma Legislature. This project will support initiatives surrounding wheat breeding and crop science. However, $10 million of this funding must be matched through private fundraising efforts by July 2027. As of September 1, 2026, the university had secured $8.7 million, placing it close to this target.
The center will feature advanced research facilities aimed at addressing the challenges facing Oklahoma agriculture. Hess noted that the impact of OSU's discoveries and graduates will extend beyond the campus, benefiting rural communities across the state that rely on skilled veterinarians.
Both facilities are currently in the design phase, with further details expected to be announced as the projects progress, aligning with the growth of the veterinary program at OSU.