Clemson University officials and South Carolina state leaders recently celebrated the start of construction on the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine with a groundbreaking ceremony. Flad is leading the overall campus design and the exterior design of the six main buildings that comprise the campus. Flad is also planning and designing the entire research building.

The 245,000-square-foot complex will be the first college of veterinary medicine in the state of South Carolina and will address the statewide shortage of veterinarians. Nearly half of the counties in South Carolina have fewer than 10 veterinarians.

Located near the university’s main campus, the college is comprised of six buildings, including The Hub, a vibrant center where students can attend classes, study, and engage with each other. In addition, it will include a clinical teaching building, research building, ambulatory service building, equine teaching building, and farm animal teaching building. 

The new academic program is designed to provide students with spaces for collaboration and hands-on learning. On-site lecture- and laboratory-based instruction will be augmented with visits to off-site animal research stations. Fourth-year students will visit partner institutions for clinical learning throughout the state.

“What an amazing time for this University and our state,” said Founding Dean Steven Marks. “Our goal is to create day-one-prepared veterinarians to serve communities around South Carolina. Animal and human health are directly connected, and we are so proud to be a part of creating the next generation of veterinarians.”

The college is expected to welcome its first class of 80 students in the fall semester of 2026. The project is seeking 2 Green Globes certification.