New veterinary hospital to be dedicated Aug. 29

“We want everyone to help us celebrate this accomplishment,” said Dr. Timothy Boosinger, veterinary dean. “Auburn University is moving from having the oldest facility in the country to the newest, most modern one. This will allow us to make more advances in the medical care of animals and provide much more experience for our students.”

The hospital covers 71,500 square feet and has modern surgical suites, an intensive care unit, pharmacy, radiology section, field services unit, offices, conference room, and a 60 seat classroom

Auburn's Board of Trustees has named the facility in honor of Dean Emeritus Tom Vaughan, who served as dean of the veterinary college from 1977 to 1995.

The hospital is just one part of a new complex. Already in operation are an equine lameness arena with hard and soft surfaces, as well as two equine wards, an isolation facility, and an equipment and maintenance shop. The college hopes to begin work soon on two beef cattle wards and two dairy wards. 

The $25 million complex will cover 120,000 square feet, with all of the structures being made of red bricks, white trim, and green roofs. A four-board fence will encompass the buildings and surrounding pasture.

College officials began planning the project and seeking support in 1994, and in 1998 Alabama voters approved an agricultural bond initiative to provide $7.5 million toward the project. Funding sources also include $7.5 million in university funds, $7 million from the college, and private support being generated by individuals and groups.