Mission

Our mission is to advance the health of animals, people and the environment through inclusive and equitable education, research and services to the public. 

Vision

Creating a healthier world for animals, people and the environment. Exploration. Education. Compassion. 

Core Values

  • Respect: Equality, Civility, Diversity, Professionalism
  • Integrity: Work Ethic, Honesty, Character
  • Responsibility: Sustainability, Transparency, Communication, Social Responsibility
  • Excellence: Quality, Innovation, Dedication, Commitment, Service, Education, Research

2023-2028 Strategic Plan 

This strategic plan for the Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine’s next five years reflects a great deal of thought, work, input and revisions by many people who are invested in the success of the college. We have all learned that we can’t reliably predict the future, but we know that we have to face our challenges, decide on our priorities and organize our efforts to achieve our goals.

A big challenge for this strategic plan is the fact that the veterinary profession has been undergoing some very significant changes in the last few years. These changes are occurring at a rapid pace, and we need to ensure a college culture that embraces these changes and also trains veterinarians who can thrive in this rapidly evolving profession.

The facilitator for our process, Steve Shields, had us look at our strengths and weaknesses, along with our vision for the future. The members of the working group took their task very seriously and collaborated on a plan that is very specific to our college while embracing the more global changes occurring in the veterinary profession and in veterinary medical education. The strategic plan working group of Jennifer Johns, Trevor Fitcha, Haley Leeper, Donna Mulrooney, Justin Sanders and Katja Duesterdieck-Zellmer did a wonderful job and deserve our sincere thanks.

With publication of this plan for 2023-2028, one part of the work is done. Now, another piece of the task begins. We will form working groups to address each of the strategic goals and will regularly evaluate our progress towards achieving those goals and adjust as needed. We look forward to this challenge and to working with all of our stakeholders to implement this plan.

~ Susan J. Tornquist, Lois Bates Acheson Dean 

Goals
  1. Adjust our delivery and assessment of veterinary knowledge and skills aimed at improving professional competence.
  2. Expand our unique research and clinical expertise by investing in strategic collaborations that increase both the college’s visibility and funding.
  3. Achieve and sustain a culture that promotes open communication and teamwork across all units.
  4. Create an optimal workplace that attracts, retrains, retains and supports talented and diverse colleagues.

Full Strategic Plan

Dr. Gary R. Carlson's Transformative Gift

"As I began thinking about how I might make a difference in this world, I thought about those things that matter most to me. High on the list was the joy that our pets so often give us: a special comfort and support that allows us to embrace life more fully. I wanted to do something that would enrich that experience and help us better understand and care for our 'best friends.'"

~Dr. Gary R. Carlson

 

The Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine honors Gary R. Carlson, a Portland native and Oregon State University alumnus with a life-long passion for dogs and cats.

A dermatologist with offices in Malibu and Westlake Village, California, Dr. Carlson earned a degree in medicine from Oregon Health and Science University and completed his dermatology residency at UCLA.

After establishing his medical practice, he began investing in stocks and Southern California real estate. His goal was to grow his assets so he could make one large donation to a good cause. Ultimately, he decided that he would have the biggest impact at OSU’s veterinary college.

Dr. Carlson’s transformative $50 million gift commitment dramatically increases OSU’s ability to provide life-saving veterinary care, professional education for future veterinarians, and research critical to animal and human health. In 2018, the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine became the first named college at Oregon State University and the second named veterinary school in the nation.

Initially unsure about naming the college, Dr. Carlson ultimately decided the recognition would also honor his parents, both animal lovers. 

Accreditation

The Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Council on Education (COE).*

In 2024, 96% of the graduating class passed their NAVLE (National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners) exams — higher than the COE standard of at least 87% and higher than the national average of 88%. 

COE email: coe@avma.org
COE phone: 800.248.2862
COE address: 1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360

The COE conducted a site visit April 5-8, 2021. The next site visit is scheduled for 2028. 

*This affects only the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine and no other entities of OSU.

Contact Us

Office of the Dean, 541-737-2098
Admissions, 541-737-6985
Biomedical Sciences Department, 541-737-6532
Clinical Sciences Department, 541-737-4456
Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 541-737-3261

Faculty & Staff Directory

Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Large Animal Clinic: 541-737-2858

Small Animal Clinic: 541-737-4812