Source: Ralph Richardson, 785-532-5660, vetdean@k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/media/mediaguide/bios/richardsonbio.html
News release prepared by: Greg Tammen, 785-532-2535, gtammen@k-state.edu

Friday, Oct. 22, 2010

COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE RECEIVES NATIONAL ACCREDITATION

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine has earned accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education.

Accreditation for the college occurs once every seven years by the American Veterinary Medical Association. This association is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting body for the nation's 28 schools of veterinary medicine, and is recognized worldwide as the gold standard in veterinary education.

"I'm very proud of this," said Ralph Richardson, dean for the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine. "It's foundational to every one of our graduates because if they do not graduate from an accredited college, they cannot get licensed. It also speaks to the high quality of our college."

Accreditation consists of a self-assessment report summarizing the previous five years of activities, a site visit, and a vote by the association's council members.

The college was evaluated on 11 standards, including organization of its staff, faculty and administrators; finances needed to sustain the educational programs and missions of the college; curriculum; library and information resources available; and research programs.

Visiting the college were members of the Council of Education, a member of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, a member of the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association, and deans of other veterinary schools.

"It was an honor to show off our college as we went through the accreditation process, and to share our programs and facilities with the accreditation team and other deans," Richardson said.

Richardson said comments from the committee were very positive. Comments included that the college's library is exemplary and that library staff members were very dedicated to helping students, faculty and the veterinary community; the college was commended for its increase in research revenues and services income, especially in light of economic circumstances; and faculty were commended for dedication to the doctor of veterinary medicine student instruction, graduate education, public outreach and discovery.

K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine was established in 1905 and has graduated more than 5,000 students with a doctorate in veterinary medicine.