Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine

Welcome Samuel McLelland!

Please join us in welcoming Samuel McLelland as Lyon College's new general counsel.

Sam brings extensive experience in law, government and higher education to Lyon College at an exciting time of growth. As chief legal officer for the Lyon College System, he will help support the continued development of our undergraduate programs, the School of Dental Medicine, and the future School of Veterinary Medicine.

We're excited to have Sam on the team and look forward to the leadership and expertise he brings to Lyon College.

Read more about Sam here --> https://www.lyon.edu/news/posts/samuel-mclelland-named-general-counsel-for-lyon-college

Members of our team, including Shanie Tucker, CVT, Clinical Affiliate Manager, Becky Hepler, Executive Administrative Advisor, Leah DiPietro, Philanthropy Officer, and Maggie Milligan, Strategist, participated in the PUTTS for PAWS golf tournament held at Cypress Creek Golf Course, in support of Cabot Animal Support Services in Cabot, AR.

Shanie Tucker, CVT, Clinical Affiliate Manager for LCSVM along with Tommy Newton, VP of Enrollment Services for Lyon College, and Maggie Milligan, Strategist for LCSVM attended at meet and greet with high school educators from across the state. The event was held at Lyon College School of Dental Medicine.

LCSVM curriculum transitions to a four-year program

Last fall, LCSVM announced the structure of its Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum would transition from a three-year program to a four-year program. After critical review, LCSVM determined that a four-year curriculum would best support student learning and success by allowing for enriching summer internship programs and faculty-mentored research experiences. The curriculum blends lectures, laboratories and small-group sessions, all enhanced by learning technologies, to best prepare students for diverse professional roles in veterinary medicine.

LCSVM will be co-located with Cabot Animal Support Services (CASS) on a campus off I-57 near Exit 21 in Cabot. Lyon College has partnered with the City of Cabot to support the development of its veterinary medicine program, providing access to facilities, community connections, and opportunities for student engagement in public and animal health initiatives. Cabot provides an excellent community with an outstanding school system that will contribute to faculty, staff and student recruitment.

The Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine joins the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine in Little Rock as part of the college’s expanding network of professional programs in central Arkansas -- each designed to broaden access to health sciences education and address critical workforce needs throughout the region.

LCSVM’s first class is expected to begin in fall 2027.

COE site visit planned for August
LCSVM has received official notice of its comprehensive accreditation visit in August 2026 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE). This milestone marks a significant step forward in Lyon College’s efforts to establish the first private veterinary school in Arkansas.

In preparation for the visit, the LCSVM is developing a detailed self-study report that outlines its approach to implementing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program and ensuring compliance with the 11 AVMA COE Standards of Accreditation.

These standards cover critical areas such as institutional accreditation, organization, finances, facilities, clinical resources, curriculum, faculty, students and research.

🐾 New staff hires, faculty recruitment underway 🐾

LCSVM welcomed three new staff members in early 2026:
Maggie Milligan brings more than 20 years of experience as the Executive Director of the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association and the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation. She joined LCSVM as a strategist in April 2026.

Rebecca Hepler joined LCSVM in February as its first Executive Administrative Advisor. She has more than 10 years of experience across state government and nonprofit organizational management.

Leah DiPietro, '99, joined LCSVM as its first dedicated philanthropy officer in January, bringing more than two decades of experience in communications across nonprofit, government and higher education organizations.

Coming soon: Faculty interviews and recruitment are currently underway, with new hire announcements expected later this summer.

The Arkansas Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association and Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort hosted the Lyon College Pre-Vet Club on Saturday, April 25, for a day at the races with a behind-the-scenes tour and Q & A with Oaklawn veterinarians. The students gained first-hand knowledge of the racing veterinary industry and learned about the breadth of career options within veterinary medicine.