State-of-the-art facility to provide hands-on clinical experience and enhanced research opportunities for students
William Woods University (WWU) President Dr. Jeremy Moreland joined local and university leaders in a ribbon-cutting ceremony today for the new cutting-edge Center for Equine Medicine (CEM), a state-of-art clinical facility for the care of the University’s horses and for the education of WWU students studying both Biology/Pre-Veterinary and Equestrian Studies (EQS). The new facility, located on 17 acres just a half-mile from the WWU campus in Fulton, was funded by the generous support of private donors.
“It is with great pleasure that we formally dedicate the William Woods Center for Equine Medicine today, which will serve as another impressive asset to our nationally-renowned, elite Equestrian Studies program,” said President Moreland, who officiated at today’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This new facility will provide a unique opportunity for our students to participate in a hands-on classroom environment that will enhance their education. We are grateful for the friends of William Woods who made this day possible.”
The opening of the 8,700 square foot facility marks a new era for the EQS and Biology/Pre-Veterinary programs at The Woods, greatly expanding the medical procedures that can be performed while also exposing students to the best practices in Veterinary Medicine and equine care. The CEM includes:
· A full-time doctor of veterinary medicine who has an extensive background in sports medicine, reproduction and general equine medicine and surgery;
· A 17-acre property that is ideally suited for continued equine research and care;
· Classroom space, a large indoor riding facility, six horse stalls, and isolation area for ill of contagious horses;
· A home for the University veterinarian and his family, which allows him to be on-site in case of an emergency;
· Opportunities for EQS and Biology/Pre-Vet students to assist with emergency care and treatment, perform research and gain practical, hands-on clinical experience.
Built at a cost of $1.7 million, the CEM was funded by the support of private donors, led by Theresa Vonderschmitt, a long-time WWU benefactor, businesswoman and member of the William Woods Board of Trustees since 2004. A recipient of the Honorary Alumnus of William Woods University in recognition of the generous scholarship help she has provided to WWU students, her past donations have helped fund Equestrian Science and student diversity scholarships, and adult education programs at the University.
“This incredibly generous donation allowed us realize our vision of providing the veterinary and lab equipment that will be used to treat our horses and teach our students at the Center,” said Paul Schiltz, University veterinarian and associate professor in the WWU School of Equestrian Studies. “The Center for Equine Medicine will set William Woods University apart as the primary institution for prospective students who want to study biology, pre-medicine and equestrian.”
For more on the William Woods School of Equestrian Studies program, please visithttps://www.williamwoods.edu/academics/undergraduate/programs_and_degrees/equestrian/bachelors_equestrian_science.html
