A Milestone Worth Celebrating: U of A CVM Becomes the First Public Accredited College of Veterinary Medicine in Arizona
After more than 50 years of dreaming, planning, and hard work, the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine has become Arizona's first and only accredited public college of veterinary medicine, as recognized by the AVMA Council on Education.
This milestone, documented in a recent article by Logan Burtch-Buss, reflects the tireless dedication of our faculty, staff, and clinical sites in providing exemplary education and support to our future veterinarians. Our journey in education, research, and community engagement is just beginning, and we look forward to continuing to shape the future of veterinary medical education.
Dr. Julie Funk, dean and a key architect of the college's innovative curriculum and methodology, called accreditation an affirmation of the institution's commitment to academic excellence.
"Accreditation is a rigorous quality assurance process, and it confirms that we are meeting the highest standards in veterinary medical education," Funk said. "Our faculty are content experts, and we know that our graduates leave as day-one-ready veterinarians well prepared to serve their communities."
To celebrate this historic moment, students gathered on Monday to mark the occasion with snacks and, of course, a photo booth. Our commitment to student success remains at the heart of our mission, and we're looking forward to welcoming our next class in August 2026 and continuing the vital work of educating the next generation of veterinary practitioners.