Veterinary Medicine for the Future – University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine Strategic Vision, 2026-2031
In 2024, we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Over those 50 years, we have graduated more than 3000 alumni who are improving the lives of animals, those who care for them, and our communities throughout Tennessee, our region, and our world. As we reflect on how far we have come, we must also anticipate the future to keep our College at the forefront of training the next generation of future-ready workforce.
Both the field of veterinary medicine and the world are rapidly changing. Technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, are advancing faster than ever before. The funding landscape for universities and research is ever-changing, while personal economic pressures, such as rising cost of living, student debt load, and the cost of graduate education, will influence future students’ decision-making. The stature of pets in our households has increased, and how people view animals has shifted, altering their demand for veterinary services. Veterinary medical education is also rapidly changing. New veterinary schools and rising corporate influence in the profession will impact the landscape of veterinary education. Access to veterinary care is increasing in many urban and developed areas as more specialty practices open and veterinary clinics are acquired by large corporations, increasing the field of competition for our College. However, there are continued veterinary shortages in rural and other underserved areas that impact farmers and communities. Furthermore, existential threats, such as emerging public and global health threats, will also impact UTCVM’s ability to produce future generations of veterinary practitioners.
This vision is the result of an extensive outreach and input-gathering process that guides us in setting priorities and strategic focus necessary to lead the effort in successfully addressing these challenges. The feedback clearly tells us that we have been and continue to do an outstanding job of educating veterinarians. That remains the foundation of our mission and our guiding principle in higher education. Building on our long-standing excellence in veterinary education, we can now articulate the vision of how we strategically augment existing strengths in education to adjust and meet the needs of tomorrow. Complacency is not an option. We must continue to break down barriers and forge ahead in these efforts without compromising on our educational foundation and our values. At the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, we answer our calling. We care for those who need it most. We’re committed to our community. We’ve been here for more than 50 years. We are here to stay. We are here to build a better future.
This is Our calling. Our care. And Our community.
Paul J, Plummer DVM PhD
Dean, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
Improve the lives of animals, those who care for them, and the communities we serve.
We accomplish this mission by:
- educating students in the art and science of veterinary medicine and related biomedical sciences;
- providing exceptional veterinary care as a trusted resource to our communities;
- and discovering and disseminating new knowledge that improves animal and human health.
Cooperation and Collaboration
We embrace a culture of community and shared experiences.
We work together to find shared solutions.
We see ourselves as part of a larger purpose.
We reward respectful behaviors.
Creativity and Discovery
We foster inquisitive minds and a passion for discovery.
We encourage innovation and celebrate successes.
We courageously accept risks and view failures as opportunities to learn.
We embrace the future as active leaders of change.
We promote originality of thought.
Quality (Programs and Services)
We listen to and meet needs with relevant, long-term solutions.
We deliver evidence-based information.
We continuously improve our programs and services.
Accountability and Integrity
We treat others with dignity and respect.
We hold ourselves accountable for our actions and words.
We are transparent and honest.
We are empathetic and strive to understand others.
We embody a culture of trust and respect.
Transparent Communication
We seek feedback through engaged dialogue.
We connect by being responsive and accessible.
We promote listening to new perspectives.
Develop and Empower Others
We recognize and support each other’s strengths or talents to accomplish our mission, vision and values.
We take responsibility for ensuring safety and wellness in all that we do.
We mentor and delegate to promote professional and personal growth.
We share knowledge and provide opportunities for enhanced learning.
We transform the future of animal, human, and environmental health through Knowledge, Compassion, and Discovery, and inspire stakeholders worldwide with our far-reaching impact.
Our Values
To achieve this vision, our College must adapt to constantly shifting environments to further advance our Mission to support our fellow Tennesseans and all our stakeholders. Intentionally advancing the following priorities will position our College to shape a community of educators that will support a healthy community.
Developing practice-ready veterinarians
Our College has a reputation for a culture of veterinary education excellence that distinguishes it from the competition. Embracing the College’s strategy of student-centric teaching, small class sizes, high-quality residency training programs, and experiential training through tools like the simulation lab cultivates day-one-ready veterinarians and strives to create the conditions for individuals to succeed and flourish.
Ensuring access to high-quality veterinary medicine
Our College plays a unique role for Tennesseans as home to the state’s only academic veterinary medical center that provides a source of excellent specialty veterinary services, diagnostics, and groundbreaking outreach programs such as the Center for Veterinary Social Work. A commitment to spearhead initiatives to further increase access to veterinary medicine will bolster the health of Tennessee and beyond.
Driving innovation that benefits animal, human, and environmental health
Collaborating with the UT Graduate School of Medicine, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, and other UT colleges, our College is positioned to drive innovation forward. The outcomes of this innovation will translate into improved disease prevention, novel treatment options, and discoveries that collectively improve the health of animals, humans, plants, and the environment.
Supporting Tennessee farmers and allied agricultural industries
Our College works to assist the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to protect the health and wellbeing of the state’s livestock and the financial sustainability of the farmers who care for them. The College actively strives to aid in sustainable access to veterinary care for all communities, improve agricultural biosecurity, and mitigate the introduction and impact of emerging or reemerging diseases.
To envision the successful future of the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, a Strategic Vision Planning Committee (SVPC) was assembled. The SVPC collected thousands of data points through surveys of peer veterinary medicine colleges; College faculty, staff, and students; College donors and alumni; as well as industry and business stakeholders, to identify the trends that our College must adapt and prepare for to continue to provide an excellent veterinary education and clinical practice. Those data points were then discussed and grouped into themes by the SVPC for further prioritization based on the collective input. This process resulted in the following stakeholder-informed initiatives.
