The Thomas and Patricia Willis Veterinary Medical Education Building officially opened in August 2026, serving as the central hub for Utah State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. The 106,000-square-foot facility was made possible by a $5 million gift from the Willis family, which was announced in May 2026 to support the long-term success of the college and address regional veterinarian shortages.
A New Hub for Veterinary Science
The new three-story facility is located at the northwest corner of 1400 North 1200 East in Logan, Utah. According to Utah State University, the building houses student services support, classrooms, teaching and research laboratories, a surgery suite, small-animal resident care facilities, and office space for faculty, staff, administrators, and graduate students.
Addressing Workforce Demands
The construction of the facility marks a major milestone for the university following the enrollment of the first class of students in the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program in August 2025. With the addition of the new building, Utah State has expanded enrollment to 80 students per graduating class to help build a sustainable veterinary workforce for Utah and the Intermountain West.
Economic and Rural Impact
The project was motivated by the growing demand for veterinarians, particularly in rural areas where access to large-animal care remains a significant challenge. Utah's agricultural industry contributes approximately $1.82 billion to the state's economy, a factor that underscores the necessity of expanding veterinary training within the state, according to Utah State University.
A Legacy of Giving
The Willis family's investment was inspired by their own agricultural roots. Tom Willis, the president and CEO of Kansas-based Conestoga Energy Holdings, is a graduate of Utah State University with degrees in business administration and agricultural economics. Both Tom and Patricia Willis grew up on cattle ranches, and their shared background in agriculture influenced their decision to invest in veterinary education and workforce development.
The Willis Family Vision
Tom Willis noted that the investment was an opportunity to help address the shortage of veterinarians while supporting a premier veterinary program. He stated that the education and connections he gained at Utah State changed his life, prompting him and his wife to give back in a way that would create a lasting impact for Utah, agriculture, and society.
Support for the Aggie Community
Matt White, vice president for advancement and president of the USU Foundation, described the Willis family as extraordinary supporters and friends to the Aggie community. He noted that their deep roots in agriculture and lifelong connection to animals and rural communities made the investment especially meaningful.
Comprehensive Training Facilities
The College of Veterinary Medicine utilizes a diverse range of facilities to support its mission. Beyond the new Willis building, the college's footprint includes the Veterinary Science and Biology Building, which features a renovated anatomy lab, a dedicated lecture hall, and four microbiology laboratories, including BSL-3 facilities. Other critical sites include the Matthew Hillyard Animal, Teaching and Research Center (South Farm) in Wellsville, the Caine Dairy, and the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UVDL).
