Murray State University

Murray State University is taking a step toward addressing Kentucky’s veterinary workforce shortage with plans for a new Veterinary Science Building. The first of its kind in the state, the building will be located on the university’s West Farm Campus and is designed to support the continued growth of its Veterinary Technology and Pre-Veterinary programs, while laying the foundation for a future School of Veterinary Medicine.

This single-story facility will be situated near the Rudolph Equine Education Center and organized into three wings, all connected by support spaces. Its exterior is designed to complement the surrounding campus, drawing inspiration from the classic barns and stables that have defined agriculture in Kentucky for generations. A gabled, pitched metal roof and white wainscot exterior reinforce these pastoral roots while providing a cohesive, timeless aesthetic.

One wing is dedicated to student and faculty spaces, including areas for gathering, collaboration and study, as well as classrooms, auditorium-style lecture rooms, student lockers, faculty offices, and a break room. These student-focused environments are intentionally designed to support long hours of study, hands-on learning, and peer interaction, recognizing that students will spend a significant portion of their day in the building. Comfortable, flexible spaces encourage collaboration, promote well-being, and foster a strong academic community.

A second wing houses specialized laboratories, as well as preparation space for small animal procedures and anesthesia, mock exam rooms, study rooms, and a director’s administrative suite. The third wing supports advanced instructional and clinical functions, featuring open collaboration areas and study rooms, an imaging lab, central storage, and dedicated feline and canine holding, pre-operative, recovery, and exercise spaces. Additional spaces include a dispensary, nutrition area, flexible teaching lab, anatomy lab, bone display and storage, freezer and cooler, anatomy receiving, model shop, chemical storage, and a plastination lab. The three wings are connected by student-focused spaces and amenities, as well as a media center.

Careful attention has been given to building systems to support both animal welfare and an effective learning environment. Acoustic design helps minimize noise transfer between clinical, lab and study areas, reducing stress for animals while maintaining comfortable and safe conditions for students and faculty. Advanced ventilation and airflow strategies are incorporated to control odors, maintain air quality, and meet the stringent requirements of veterinary and laboratory spaces.

An open-air farm animal teaching lab further expands hands-on learning opportunities, allowing students to work directly with large animals in a setting that reflects real-world agricultural environments. This space strengthens the connection between classroom instruction and practical experience, preparing students for a wide range of veterinary applications.

The Veterinary Science Building will feature modern teaching equipment that supports hands-on, real-world learning, including advanced simulation tools, imaging technology, and flexible lab spaces. Durable finishes are used throughout the building to stand up to the daily demands of an active animal environment while maintaining a clean, safe, and professional setting. To ensure the facility meets the specialized needs of veterinary education, Hafer partnered with Susan Sharp Design, a recognized expert in veterinary school programming and design, including equipment planning.

Additionally, Murray State branding is incorporated into the design to create a strong sense of identity and pride while reinforcing the university’s commitment to excellence in veterinary education.

This project strengthens Kentucky’s veterinary workforce pipeline while positioning Murray State University as a leader in educating the next generation of animal health leaders.