Faculty of Veterinary Medicine launches new alliance with Lakeland College

The University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) and Lakeland College are joining forces to bolster learning and research opportunities for students and faculty at both institutions.

• Pictured above are, from left, Josie Van Lent, dean, School of Agricultural Sciences, Lakeland College; Dru Marshall, provost and vice-president (academic), University of Calgary; Michael Crowe, vice-president (academic & research), Lakeland College; and Baljit Singh, dean, UCVM.

UCVM and Lakeland College, which has campuses in Vermilion and Lloydminster, signed a Co-ordination Agreement this week. The partnership opens the door for a variety of initiatives such as unique student practicums, beef and dairy cattle research projects, and sharing facilities and resources.

“The agreement signed today with Lakeland College strengthens collaborative opportunities between our institutions that will benefit students from both institutions, and will enhance research opportunities in animal-human interactions,” says Dru Marshall, provost and vice-president (academic). “This collaboration is in alignment with our recently renewed Academic Plan, and responds to the principle of co-ordination, one of the key principles of the adult learning system in Alberta.”

New dairy learning centre and animal health clinic

One of the exciting opportunities for UCVM students and researchers is having access to Lakeland’s shiny new $9.5-million state-of-the-art Dairy Learning Centre. The 47,000 square foot facility opened last summer, and features the latest technology in robotic and conventional milking and feeding systems, along with a herd of 280 head, including 120 Holstein milk cows, replacement heifers and young stock.

The college is also building a new animal health clinic that will have separate dog and cat wards, a dental lab, surgical suite, and stocks and stalls for large animals.

“UCVM and Lakeland students will benefit from the sharing of world-class facilities such as the college’s Dairy Learning Centre and our extensive clinical and professional skills training facilities,” says Dr. Baljit Singh, UCVM’s dean. “The faculties at both schools will grow their research collaborations in the area of cattle and equine health.”

“This partnership allows opportunities for both institutions to expand research in animal sciences and livestock sciences including dairy,” says Michael Crowe, vice-president (academic & research) at Lakeland College. “Lakeland is at the place where we are trying to build research capacity and I think partnering with the University of Calgary on this initiative will help us do that. It will give us access to world-class researchers and graduate students.”