WASHINGTON –Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee, (both D-Md.) announced $1,071,000 in direct federal funding for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s (UMES) School of Veterinary Medicine within the fiscal year 2024 funding package passed by the Senate on March 23. These funds, included at the Senators’ request, will support UMES in establishing a new Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, making UMES the second HBCU in the country and the first university in Maryland to offer such a program. The program will prepare students for careers as pet and agricultural veterinarians and support the industry’s growing demand.
The Senators included over $40 million in federal funds directly for Maryland within the legislation, in addition to the over $160 million they secured in the initial package passed on March 8. In total, the Senators secured over $200 million for local projects across the state for FY24. President Biden signed the second package into law on March 23, averting a partial government shutdown.
“The Eastern Shore is a powerhouse for agriculture in Maryland. Establishing a program at one of the region’s premier institutions will provide more opportunities for young people to learn the tools of the trade in their own backyard,” said Senator Cardin. “With the proven track record of UMES student and professor success stories, we know this program will provide a valuable pipeline to an industry that is in critical need of well-trained professionals.”
“Investing in the education of Maryland’s future veterinarians will help protect our agricultural economy and improve access to veterinary care. These funds will make UMES a regional pioneer, providing top-notch education in veterinary medicine and creating opportunity for students to enter an understaffed but critical field,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“This funding continues the strong momentum we are experiencing as we continue to take the steps necessary to achieve accreditation for this historic program,” said UMES President Heidi M. Anderson. “It’s an investment by the federal government in our endeavor, and we are deeply grateful to Senators Cardin and Van Hollen for their crucial support in making this happen. Their efforts will benefit UMES and the communities we serve with a School of Veterinary Medicine.”
A full list of the funds included by Senator Van Hollen in both fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills is here. A full list of the funds included by Senator Cardin is here.
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