Jefferson College’s veterinary technology program soon will have a home of its own.
The board voted unanimously Dec. 7 to award a $3,022,900 contract to Brockmiller Construction in Farmington to build an approximately 7,400-square-foot veterinary technology center on the west side of the Hillsboro campus. The building will include modern, up-to-date technology and features, according to materials provided by the college.
Brockmiller’s bid was the lowest of nine bids submitted.
The college’s veterinary technology program has been housed in the CTE (Career and Technical Education) building on the Hillsboro campus since the program began nearly five decades ago and needs more space, President Dena McCaffrey said.
“They have been in their current spot in the CTE building since 1976,” McCaffrey said. “At that time, the original program had 15 students. We now have 36 students. With the new center, we will be able to accommodate 48. We have been turning people away.”
McCaffrey and staff members said Brockmiller is expected to begin work on the building right away, with the target finish date in December 2024 or early 2025.
She said a barn that houses animals used for the program will remain in its current location on Farm Road.
John Linhorst, the college’s interim senior director of business operations, said the construction should not disrupt students and staff.
“The project really shouldn’t affect students because site preparation has already taken place,” he said.
McCaffrey said there is a great demand for people to work in the veterinary field.
“I’m so excited for this project not only for our veterinary technology students, but for veterinarians throughout the county,” she said.
Blake Tilley, executive director of the Jefferson College Foundation, said the college’s veterinary technology program prepares students for a variety of jobs in the veterinary field.
“They get their associate degree in applied science in veterinary technology,” Tilley said. “In addition to veterinary assistants, they can work in animal research, at animal hospitals, at animal clinics. They’re often referred to as animal nurses.
“What distinguishes our program from others is our students work with live animals provided by Jefferson County Animal Control.”
He said the Jefferson College veterinary technology program graduates typically have great success finding jobs after earning their degrees.
“There’s more than 95 percent placement for our program’s graduates,” Tilley said.
Chris DeGeare, the college’s vice president of academic affairs, said Jefferson College’s veterinary technology program is one of only four public veterinary technology programs in the state.
“Because we’re the only one in the southeastern part of Missouri, we attract students from all the way down to the Bootheel.
“It’s exciting that we’re able to expand this quality program.”
Fundraising campaign underway
Tilley said the Jefferson College Foundation recently began a fundraising campaign to raise $1 million toward the project.
“We are seeking partners and naming rights on the facility are available,” he said. “In 2023, we’ve been in the silent phase of the campaign. In 2024, it will become the public phase.
“We are most interested in forming partnerships with our regional veterinarians, because this is a significant workforce opportunity.”
The college will cover the other $2 million cost for the project through bond and grant funds, McCaffrey said.
For more information about the fundraising campaign, call Tilley at 636-481-3104.