Rowan University has officially opened New Jersey’s first veterinary school, the Shreiber School for Veterinary Medicine, a significant development for the state’s agricultural community and aspiring veterinarians. The school, which welcomed its inaugural Class of 2029 in September, aims to better serve the needs of South Jersey’s underserved farm areas and address the national veterinarian shortage.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on March 2, 2024, university officials, including Edward D. Wengryn, New Jersey’s secretary of agriculture, emphasized the importance of the new institution. “This is not just about retaining students; it opens up a host of career opportunities in veterinary practices, research, and innovations in animal healthcare,” he stated.
The establishment of the Shreiber School comes after years of many New Jersey students pursuing veterinary degrees out of state, often navigating complex residency requirements to save on tuition costs. According to Aparna Zama, undergraduate program director at Rutgers University’s Department of Animal Sciences, students have frequently enrolled in prestigious programs at institutions like Cornell University and The Ohio State University. “This is a very exciting development for our students and for the profession in New Jersey,” she said, highlighting the long-awaited need for local veterinary education.
Dr. Jennifer Quammen, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association, noted that rural areas, particularly in South Jersey, have felt the impact of a nationwide shortage of veterinarians. “We need more professionals in both large animal care and rural small animal medicine,” she emphasized. With the opening of this school, there is hope that local students will remain in New Jersey and contribute to their communities.
The Shreiber School was built over 18 months, with significant financial backing. The state of New Jersey provided a commitment of $75 million for the construction, while a $30 million donation from Gerald Shreiber, the school’s namesake, will support scholarships for students.
Factors contributing to the absence of a veterinary school in New Jersey for so long include the shrinking agricultural industry and the high costs associated with establishing a veterinary program. Zama explained, “Building out a vet school and running the curriculum is a very intensive process that requires substantial resources.”
With a current enrollment of 75 students, more than half of whom are New Jersey residents, the school plans to eventually accept up to 90 students annually. The tuition for in-state students is set at $37,500 per year, significantly lower than the fees at private institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, where out-of-state students may pay upwards of $67,500 annually.
The Shreiber School also includes a 50,000-square-foot teaching animal hospital that will provide primary, specialty, and emergency care. This facility is set to open on March 4, 2024. The school has already begun engaging with the community, offering free clinics and spay/neuter services, as well as having field service clinicians to assist with large animals in South Jersey.
Local business owners, such as Amanda Coombs of Coombs Barnyard in Salem County, have expressed enthusiasm about the school’s potential impact. She envisions opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with animals, stating, “It’s another aspect of agriculture that we need to teach kids.”
The establishment of the Shreiber School not only marks a significant milestone for veterinary education in New Jersey but also represents a chance for the state to retain talent and enhance local agricultural practices. As students from the inaugural class begin their studies, they will have the opportunity to shape the future of animal healthcare in the region, paving the way for a new generation of veterinarians dedicated to serving their communities.
