CABOT, Ark. – Lyon College and Cabot officials announced that a lease agreement has been finalized for the college’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
The new school will be located on a multi-acre campus near Exit 21 in Cabot, near Game Time at the Grounds.
Officials with the city said Cabot approved a resolution to sell approximately 20 acres of property to developer 11 Arrows for $5.7 million for construction of property for animal services facilities.
A portion of the property will be used for Cabot Animal Support Services facilities, a veterinary clinic, administrative offices and other related uses, officials said. The rest of the property will be used by Lyon College for the veterinary school.
City officials said Lyon College and the city will collaborate on an animal services clinic that will provide services to the Cabot community.
“The City of Cabot is excited to welcome Lyon College’s School of Veterinary Medicine to our community,” Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade said. “Cabot’s commitment to fostering excellence in education and healthcare aligns perfectly with Lyon College’s mission. Together, we are creating a hub for veterinary excellence that will not only benefit our residents and animals but also contribute to the advancement of veterinary medicine regionally and beyond.”
Lyon College president Dr. Melissa Taverner said Cabot is an “ideal” setting for the college’s new school.
“Cabot offers a dynamic community, located in a beautiful, ideal setting that provides so many desirable amenities to support our graduate students and their families,” Taverner said. “With outstanding facilities and a commitment to professional excellence, bolstered by a powerful public-private partnership, the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine will prepare future veterinarians to address the evolving challenges in animal health and care. We are extremely grateful to the city council, Mayor Kincade and our partners in Cabot for making the school a reality.”
Cabot officials said a groundbreaking is planned for early 2025.
More information about the veterinary school can be found on Campaign.Lyon.edu.