A proposed regional veterinary program between South Dakota State University (SDSU) and the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine is one step closer to reality. The "2+2" program is designed to increase the number of graduates interested in rural mixed and food animal practice. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem approved the plan in late March.
If approved, up to 20 students would enroll in Fall 2021 for their first two years at SDSU in Brookings, S.D., and then relocate to St. Paul for their final two years at the University of Minnesota. It’s believed the majority of the students will pursue careers in rural veterinary practice—especially in food animal medicine—which is currently experiencing a shortage of veterinarians.