Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine

09/12/2026

Thank you to Wildwood Park for the Arts in Little Rock for inviting Kenton Adler, director of advancement for Scottish Heritage at Lyon College, to provide music for its Standing Together: 9/11 Tribute Luncheon on Sept. 11.

The event offered an inspiring message about finding hope and goodness, even in the face of tragedy.

Thank you to Wildwood for including Lyon College in this meaningful day of remembrance.

09/11/2026

Today, we recognize someone in our Lyon College community whose actions on Sept. 11, 2001, demonstrated extraordinary courage, compassion and selflessness.

Terry Clausen, who serves in Lyon’s Information Technology department and manages the simulation lab technology at the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine in Little Rock, was a U.S. Army specialist stationed near the Pentagon on 9/11.

Although Terry was off duty and at his nearby residence that morning, he heard American Airlines Flight 77 strike the Pentagon. Without hesitation, he grabbed his medical kit and ran toward the smoke and wreckage to help those who were injured.

As one of the first responders on the scene, Terry treated the wounded and repeatedly returned to the danger zone to carry victims to safety, even after being ordered to evacuate because of the possibility of another attack. He was later selected to coordinate medical logistics and continuation of care at the site.

Terry’s courage and service were recognized nationally. Just days later, he was among a small group of heroes invited to sit with First Lady Laura Bush during President George W. Bush’s address to Congress on Sept. 20, 2001.

Today, we are honored to have Terry as part of the Lyon College community.

Terry, thank you for your service, your courage and your compassion. And thank you for the example you continue to set for all of us.

We remember. We honor. We are grateful.

09/03/2026

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton stopped by the future campus of the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine and Cabot Animal Support Services today to see the progress and learn more about an innovative model that brings veterinary education and city animal services together in a way unlike any other in the nation.

The partnership connects veterinary education, hands-on clinical training, shelter medicine and community animal services on one campus, creating a unique environment where future veterinarians learn while serving animals and the community.

We appreciate Sen. Cotton taking the time to visit and learn more about the partnership and its potential to strengthen Arkansas’s veterinary workforce and improve animal health and welfare across the state.



View the photo album here --> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lyoncollegescots/albums/72177720335438305

(Photography by Chandler Crossen)

08/21/2026

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Katie Darr to the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine!

A North Little Rock native and University of Arkansas alumna, Dr. Darr brings expertise in shelter medicine, surgery, student well-being and workplace wellness to Lyon. She is passionate about preparing compassionate, confident veterinarians who are ready to care for both animals and the people who love them.

Her commitment to animal welfare, community partnerships and a healthy veterinary profession perfectly reflects Lyon's Culture of Care.

We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Darr and her husband, Dr. Chase Darr, to the Lyon family!

Read more about Dr. Darr here --> https://www.lyon.edu/news/posts/veterinary-educator-dr-katie-darr-returns-to-arkansas

08/19/2026

A veterinary school takes a community. We are grateful to these local businesses for supporting the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine during our accreditation process:

Baldwin & Shell Construction Company
WDD Architects
Chef Candace
Pea Farm Bistro
Sage Tea & Treats
Renovare Collective

Your support, encouragement and partnership have helped us move one step closer to bringing veterinary education and expanded animal care opportunities to central Arkansas, the state and the region.

Thank you for helping us Build a Culture of Care. Together.

08/18/2026

A Culture of Care starts here.

Dr. Carolyn Henry, dean, and Dr. Eason Hildreth, associate dean of professional programs, with the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine joined the Lyon College community for Fall 2026 Matriculation, welcoming our newest Scots and celebrating the beginning of their Lyon journey.

Pending receipt of a Letter of Reasonable Assurance from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, Lyon College will welcome its future veterinary medicine students to a program grounded in A Culture of Care — for animals, their people, and the communities they serve.

The future of veterinary medicine is taking shape at Lyon, and we’re excited to welcome it.

08/17/2026

Lyon College and Cabot Animal Support Services (CASS) are joining forces to create an innovative, hands-on model that brings together veterinary education, shelter medicine, animal welfare and community care -- all in one collaborative environment in Cabot.

Through this partnership, CASS will serve as the co-located operational and community model site for the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine.

Located just off I-57 near Exit 21, the site will provide Lyon veterinary students with an exceptional opportunity to learn through real-world experiences while making a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and the communities they serve.

Partnership Highlights

Co-Location: Veterinary school facilities will be located alongside CASS in Cabot, creating a unique environment where education and community-based animal care come together.

Shelter Medicine and Animal Welfare: Lyon College has received an $11 million grant to establish the Katharine Reese Shelter Medicine and Animal Welfare Program at the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine -- an investment that will help advance education, innovation and leadership in shelter medicine.

Academic Integration: Through CASS, Lyon veterinary students will gain valuable hands-on experience in clinical care, shelter medicine, animal welfare and the day-to-day operations of a community animal care organization.

By connecting students with real-world learning and communities with expanded veterinary expertise, this collaboration will help prepare the next generation of veterinarians while improving the lives of animals and strengthening communities across Arkansas.

(Photos of the CASS beam signing ceremony, courtesy of Touching Moments Photography-Central Arkansas LLC.)

August 11, 2026

08/12/2026

Big things are taking shape in Cabot!

Congratulations to the City of Cabot, Mayor Ken Kincade, the Cabot City Council, Director of Community Services Mike Wheeler, Lonoke County Judge Doug Erwin, the Lonoke County Quorum Court, local, state and federal officials, and our many partners on today’s beam-signing event at the new Cabot Animal Support Services complex.

A special thanks to the talented teams at WDD Architects and Baldwin and Shell Construction Company for their amazing work to bring this campus to life.

The Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine was honored to be part of the celebration, with Dr. Melissa Taverner, president, and Dr. Carolyn Henry, LCSVM dean, sharing remarks about this exciting partnership.

Together, we’re creating new opportunities for veterinary education, shelter medicine, community service and better care for animals across Arkansas.

We’re proud to be building this future together. The best is yet to come! 🐾

(Photos: Touching Moments Photography-Central Arkansas LLC)

07/29/2026

Congratulations to Kristi Price on her appointment as chief of staff at Lyon College!

A valued member of the Lyon community since 2017, Kristi has played an important role in advancing institutional initiatives, supporting shared governance and helping shape the future of Lyon College’s professional schools.

As chief of staff, Kristi will serve as a strategic adviser to President Dr. Melissa Taverner, helping strengthen collaboration, communication and planning across Lyon’s Batesville, Little Rock and Cabot campuses.

“Kristi’s thoughtful leadership and ability to bring people together have made her a trusted colleague across campus,” said Dr. Taverner.

Please join us in celebrating Kristi and this exciting new chapter of service to Lyon College!

Read more here —> https://www.lyon.edu/news/posts/kristi-price-assumes-chief-of-staff-role-at-lyon-college