Preliminary Guide to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Publicity Files, 1990-2000

Veterinary science has been a part of the curriculum of Washington State University from the institution's beginning in 1890. Within seven years, veterinary science expanded from one course to become a major division: the School of Veterinary Science. Upon completion of a three year program, the first class of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine were graduated in 1902. The school was designated the College of Veterinary Science in 1916, and the program of study was extended to four years. In 1925 the title was altered to the College of Veterinary Medicine. Reorganization in 1945 made the Veterinary College a subdivision of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, however during the 1960's the College regained its autonomy. Presently the College of Veterinary Medicine is comprised of the departments of (1) Anatomy, Pharmacology/ Toxicology, and Physiology, (2) Clinical Medicine and Surgery, and (3) Microbiology and Pathology as well as five special programs.

A more extensive history of the College, Narrative History of WSU Veterinary College, prepared by Dr. Lavon M. Koger on the occasion of the seventy-fifth anniversary, was published in 1974.