NCSU to Study Creation of New Vet School.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Jim Burgin and 2 co-sponsors

The bill requires a feasibility study by NCSU on creating a new NC veterinary college, including need, costs, benefits, and location.

Withdrawn From Com

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Purpose and Intent

Mandates a feasibility study to determine whether North Carolina should establish a new college of veterinary medicine in the state.

Specifically requires the Board of Trustees of North Carolina State University (NCSU), in consultation with NCSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, to assess whether an additional veterinary college is advisable and feasible at another North Carolina higher education institution.

Aims to inform the General Assembly and the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee about potential benefits, costs, and locations.

Key Provisions

Section 1(a): Study Requirements

The NCSU Board of Trustees, working with NCSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, must study:

The need for additional veterinarians in North Carolina, including large-animal veterinarians.
Costs and benefits of establishing a new veterinary college at another NC institution, including whether such a college would help retain high-achieving NC residents who pursue veterinary careers.
A suitable location for a new veterinary college, including:
- An appropriate NC higher education institution to house the college.
- Geographic locations within the state suitable for instruction in large-animal veterinary care.

The Board must report its findings and recommendations to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee no later than March 15, 2027.

Section 1(b): Funding

Appropriates $300,000 in nonrecurring General Fund monies for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

The funds are allocated to the UNC System Board of Governors for distribution to North Carolina State University specifically to conduct the study described in Section 1(a).

Section 2: Effective Date

The act becomes effective on July 1, 2026.

Who/What Is Affected

Primary Entity: North Carolina State University (NCSU), through its Board of Trustees and its College of Veterinary Medicine.

Related Entities: The University of North Carolina (UNC) System via the Board of Governors, which receives and reallocates the appropriated funds.

Stakeholders: State residents needing veterinary services (including large-animal care), prospective veterinary students, and institutions that might host a future veterinary college.

Timeline and Procedural Notes

Study period: Conduct and complete feasibility assessment with a formal report due by March 15, 2027 to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.

Fiscal note: Funding provided for 2026-2027 (nonrecurring $300,000) to support the study.

Effective date: July 1, 2026, enabling preparation and allocation of funds for the study.

Potential Impact (Non-Binding, Informational)

The bill does not create a new college or authorize immediate construction or expansion; it requires a feasibility and advisability study to determine whether pursuing a new veterinary college is appropriate and where it might be located.

Outcomes could influence future legislative decisions on funding, partnerships, and the strategic direction of veterinary education in North Carolina.

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