Rowan University on Oct. 3 commemorated the opening of the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, New Jersey’s first and only veterinary school, with a ribbon-cutting celebration on Rowan’s West Campus in Harrison Township before nearly 400 guests, supporters, and students.
Rowan says it is one of only two public universities in the nation to grant doctor of veterinary medicine, doctor of osteopathic medicine, and doctor of medicine degrees.
“We are immensely proud to train tomorrow’s professionals to improve animal, human and environmental health,” said Rowan President Ali A. Houshmand. “Every success we celebrate and every opportunity we create are thanks to those who have partnered with us on developing this school and growing the University.”
One of 36 veterinary schools in the U.S., the Shreiber School is only the third named for a benefactor: business leader and longtime Rowan supporter Gerald B. Shreiber, who has used his business success to support animal welfare and education for decades. He and his wife Melanie pledged $30 million to support the school and student scholarships.
“I’ve been very fortunate in business over the years and I’m honored to support the veterinary school and, more importantly, its students,” Shreiber said. “Animals are my passion, so I couldn’t think of a better way to give something back to make a positive impact on their lives.”
In 2021, the state Legislature approved $75 million to construct the veterinary school’s primary academic and clinical facility.
Founding Dean Matthew Edson, a doctor of veterinary medicine, celebrated the landmark day for the profession and aspiring veterinarians in New Jersey. “I think I speak for all the veterinarians in our profession when I say it’s always been a dream of ours to go to school in our home states,” Edson said. “We’re really happy to be here to provide that for future generations.”
The school will advance the health and well-being of animals and humans through the “One Health Concept” — that there is “one medicine” supporting “one health.”
Clinical experience begins early, with rotations between classroom lectures and practical experience through more than 70 partnerships with wildlife refuges, farms, zoos and animal shelters throughout the region.
“The minute I heard, I said, ‘I have to go there,’” said Maya Quinn, Barnegat resident and member of the Shreiber School’s inaugural class. As the great-granddaughter of a Glassboro Normal School graduate, her connection to Rowan extends back to the institution’s roots. In just the first few weeks, Quinn added, the cohort of students is already making connections, sharing notes and spending time together after exams.
The Shreiber School also offers an accelerated D.V.M./MBA in collaboration with Rowan’s Rohrer College of Business, and dual graduate degree programs, including an M.S./Ph.D. in veterinary biomedical science in collaboration with Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and the College of Science & Mathematics.
