Classes in veterinary medicine have been taught at Washington State University since the institution's beginning. In 1899 the veterinary program was organized into the School of Veterinary Science, and the granting of professional degrees for a three-year program in veterinary medicine was introduced. The first graduating class, consisting of two individuals, received their degrees in 1902. In 1906 the degree program expanded from three to four years of study.
Beginning in 1908 senior veterinary students were taught at a clinic in Spokane, where they could receive more practical experience, while all other students were taught in Pullman. This arrangement continued until 1923 when all teaching facilities and staff were brought to Pullman. In 1917, as a result of President E. O. Holland's reorganization of the institution, the School of Veterinary Science became the College of Veterinary Science. The name was altered to the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1925. In the 1930's the degree program was expanded to five years of study. Reorganization in 1944 made the College of Veterinary Medicine a subdivision of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences until, due to pressure from local and national veterinary organizations, the College regained its autonomy in 1950.
In 1979, in partnership with the University of Idaho, Montana State University and Utah State University, the Washington-Oregon-Idaho Regional Program in Veterinary Medical Education is formed, allowing students from various western states access to a veterinary medical education, without paying out-of-state tuition.
The School completed a new 110,000 square foot Veterinary Teaching Hospital in 1996. And in 2012 the Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health was created, committed to developing innovative strategies for the treatment and control of diseases that directly affect public health, economic development, and human opportunity.
A more extensive history of the College of Veterinary Medicine can be found in: Harriman, Peter, Pettit, Ghery D, Washington State University. College of Veterinary Medicine. "First Century: a Centennial History." Pullman: Washington State University; 1998.
The papers of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine span the years 1932 through 1975 and are arranged in four series. The first series is a fragment of previous deans' files that date from 1932 until 1962 and consist of alumni correspondence, photos, and reminiscences.
The bulk of the collection comprises the second series, most of which was generated during the tenure of Dean Leo K. Busted from 1973 through 1975. This series contains correspondence, memoranda, publications, and reports dealing with curriculum, facilities, industry, medicine, personnel, research, and departmental and university governance.
The third series is minutes of the meetings (1952-1972) of the veterinary school department chairmen. The minutes of the veterinary school faculty (1952-1972) comprise the fourth series.
The records are organized in 4 series, with Series 2 arranged alphabetically, and Series 3-4 arranged chronologically.
This collection is open and available for research use.
Copyright restrictions may apply.
[Item description]
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Records, 1932-1975 (Archives 21)
Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries, Pullman, WA.
The records were transfered to the Washington State University Library on two occasions. The office files of the dean were received in December 1976 (UA 76-11), while the minutes of staff meetings were deposited in September 1977.
This collection was processed by Pat Graham Pidcock in June 1978.
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Records, 1957-1973
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Records, 1976-1978
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Records, 1976-1982
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Associate Dean Records, 1976-1978
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Microbiology and Pathology Department Records, 1954-1975
Washington State University Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Surgery Narcotics Register, 1957-1968
Western Veterinarian Records, 1975-1980
Smithcors Collection of Veterinary History Documents, 1851-1996
Earl Edward Wegner Veterinary Medicine Photographs and Scrapbooks, 1905-1947
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Student Photographs, 1914-1971
Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Construction Photographs, 1993-1996
Washington State University Veterinary Facility Photographs, 1980s
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the online catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or places should search the catalog using these headings.