Lyon College and the City of Cabot have finalized a lease agreement to establish the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine, marking the first graduate veterinary program in Arkansas. The agreement, approved by the Lyon College Board of Trustees on Nov. 12 and ratified by the Cabot City Council on Monday, paves the way for the school to open on a newly developed campus near Exit 21 in Cabot. The groundbreaking is set for early 2025.
The school will be housed on a multi-acre campus adjacent to the Game Time at The Grounds city park and will include the Cabot Animal Services Center. The partnership aims to enhance veterinary education and provide animal health care services to the region. The project is being designed by WD&D Architects of Little Rock.
Details of the Agreement
Under the terms of the lease, the City of Cabot will sell approximately 20 acres of land to developer 11 Arrows for $5.7 million. The city will use part of the property for facilities supporting animal services, including a veterinary clinic to serve the community, administrative offices and related uses. Lyon College will sublease a portion of the site to operate its veterinary school.
The partnership also includes plans for an animal services clinic offering a range of services, including low-cost and no-cost care for local residents.
Community and Economic Impact
“The City of Cabot is excited to welcome Lyon College’s School of Veterinary Medicine to our community,” said Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade. “Cabot’s commitment to fostering excellence in education and health care aligns perfectly with Lyon College’s mission. Together, we are creating a hub for veterinary excellence that will not only benefit our residents and animals but also contribute to the advancement of veterinary medicine regionally and beyond.”
Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner praised Cabot as an ideal setting, highlighting the collaboration between the city and the college.
“With outstanding facilities and a commitment to professional excellence, bolstered by a powerful public-private partnership, the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine will prepare future veterinarians to address the evolving challenges in animal health and care,” Taverner said.
The school will provide hands-on training for students through its partnership with the Cabot Animal Services Center. This collaboration will focus on animal welfare, shelter medicine and community health initiatives.
Vision for the Future
Founding Dean Dr. Eleanor Green emphasized the school’s innovative approach to veterinary education.
“The LCSVM’s innovative approach to veterinary education with constant focus on students matches Cabot’s innovative approach to serving and developing its community with constant focus on its people,” Green said. “I find the enthusiasm for the new veterinary school by Cabot and all of Arkansas to be truly heartwarming and inspiring.”
Cabot Economic Development Director Alicia Payseno noted the project’s broader implications, including its potential to spur economic growth and workforce development in the region.
“This partnership signifies a significant step forward in Cabot’s commitment to education, health care and economic growth,” Payseno said.
The campus will also boost Lyon College’s educational footprint in Arkansas, complementing its mission to deliver high-quality, impactful programs.
For more information about the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine, visit LyonInstitute.com.
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