Morehead State University officially opened its new and unique Equine Health Education Center with a ribboncutting ceremony in June 2008 at the Derrickson Agricultural Complex on KY 377 north of Morehead.
“This state-of-the-art surgical and medical treatment facility for horses will greatly benefit our veterinary technology, equine science and animal science students as well as regional horse owners,” said MSU President Wayne D. Andrews. “It is a major enhancement of our efforts to support the equine industry in Kentucky.”
Built at a cost of $881,000, the facility was financed with a $550,000 grant from the Kentucky Equine Trust and additional funds from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and MSU. The grant application was developed by Dr. Judy Willard, associate professor of agriculture, and Dr. Philip Prater, professor of veterinary technology.
The 6,000 square foot building will be dedicated to the training of students in modern equine veterinary technology, including ultrasound, fiber optic endoscopy, surgery, advanced reproductive techniques, intensive care management and digital radiology.
“We are very proud of the fact that we have the only dedicated equine medical and surgical facility in the nation that is associated with a stand-alone veterinary technology program,” said Dr. Gerald DeMoss, dean of MSU’s College of Science and Technology. “Adding this facility to our livestock and other teaching resources at the agricultural complex will have a very positive impact on our students in all animal science programs.”
The facility also is expected to help achieve other goals of MSU’s animal-related instructional efforts. Dr. Prater, who works primarily with horses and other large animals, is excited about what the new Equine Health Education Center will do to strengthen MSU’s efforts in equine veterinary technology, including the possible addition of a specialty certification in that field of study.
“It is clear that training additional veterinary technicians must be part of the solution to the growing shortage of veterinarians in large animal practice,” he stated. “The equine industry offers great opportunities for vet tech professionals.”
Dr. Prater is hopeful that MSU’s new facility will result in the vet tech program becoming even more attractive to highly-qualified students.
“We already have one of the top programs in the country and this will make us even stronger,” he added. “Our students are being prepared to move directly into positions in the most sophisticated veterinary clinics in this country.”
Dr. Prater predicts that the new center also will be very helpful to private veterinary medical private practitioners in East Kentucky.
“The lives of very valuable and loved horses will be saved because this facility will be so much closer when timely, critical care is needed,” he added.
Also involved in the project were Dr. J. Mike Phillips, chair of Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences; Mike Padula, technical consultant to the building project manager; Paula Reynolds, departmental specialist; and Joe Fraley, farm manager.