In 1973, Murray State University’s powers-that-be had a vision for a full veterinary school. One that would keep students learning small- and large-animal concepts inside the Commonwealth, and Bluegrass farmers and citizens from having to seek services elsewhere.
A young representative then, now Calloway County’s judge-executive, Kenny Imes helped file the original bill.
Fifty-three years later — after decades of persistence, perseverance and a renewed commitment to the subject — he, and so many others from around the region, joined together Wednesday afternoon at MSU’s West Farm, and broke ground for the next Hutson College of Agriculture’s property.
Fervently known for its beef cattle, husbandry and horse racing, pig farms and substantial elk/deer populations, Kentucky will, at long last, have its first-ever such facility, with inclusive enrollment expected to begin in fall 2028.
Kenny’s wife, Rep. Mary Beth Imes, was but a part of the political contingent required to lobby for it in Frankfort.
According to Dr. Brian Parr, dean of the Hutson College, MSU recently dropped the “school” nomenclature in preparation for this growth.
He noted the very spot where the shovels turned dirt has its own place in Kentucky’s agrarian lore, and serves as a fitting place for this journey to begin.
Majority Floor Leader and Rep. Steven Rudy, himself a proud Racer alum, confirmed the process was “interesting,” and “a true team effort, in which no one person deserves all the credit.”
After careful deliberations and multiple independent needs studies, the Kentucky General Assembly ended up allocating more than $60 million in the 2024-26 biennium budget for this project.
Dr. Laura Ken Hoffman, the soon-to-be-constructed college’s founding dean, and also a Racer alumna, said the new facility has already been etched by Hafer Architects and Susan Sharp Design, having met with them every two weeks for months on end.
Dr. Ron K. Patterson, MSU’s 15th president, noted that the U.S. only has 31 accredited colleges with a vet school — plus five with provisional accreditation.
Racers, he said, are about to join the ranks.
Located at 2101 College Farm Road in Murray, the building will be within a short walk from the Bill Cherry Exposition Center and Calloway County High School.
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