Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine

08/21/2026

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Katie Darr to the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine!

A North Little Rock native and University of Arkansas alumna, Dr. Darr brings expertise in shelter medicine, surgery, student well-being and workplace wellness to Lyon. She is passionate about preparing compassionate, confident veterinarians who are ready to care for both animals and the people who love them.

Her commitment to animal welfare, community partnerships and a healthy veterinary profession perfectly reflects Lyon's Culture of Care.

We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Darr and her husband, Dr. Chase Darr, to the Lyon family!

Read more about Dr. Darr here --> https://www.lyon.edu/news/posts/veterinary-educator-dr-katie-darr-returns-to-arkansas

08/19/2026

A veterinary school takes a community. We are grateful to these local businesses for supporting the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine during our accreditation process:

Baldwin & Shell Construction Company
WDD Architects
Chef Candace
Pea Farm Bistro
Sage Tea & Treats
Renovare Collective

Your support, encouragement and partnership have helped us move one step closer to bringing veterinary education and expanded animal care opportunities to central Arkansas, the state and the region.

Thank you for helping us Build a Culture of Care. Together.

08/18/2026

A Culture of Care starts here.

Dr. Carolyn Henry, dean, and Dr. Eason Hildreth, associate dean of professional programs, with the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine joined the Lyon College community for Fall 2026 Matriculation, welcoming our newest Scots and celebrating the beginning of their Lyon journey.

Pending receipt of a Letter of Reasonable Assurance from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, Lyon College will welcome its future veterinary medicine students to a program grounded in A Culture of Care — for animals, their people, and the communities they serve.

The future of veterinary medicine is taking shape at Lyon, and we’re excited to welcome it.

08/17/2026

Lyon College and Cabot Animal Support Services (CASS) are joining forces to create an innovative, hands-on model that brings together veterinary education, shelter medicine, animal welfare and community care -- all in one collaborative environment in Cabot.

Through this partnership, CASS will serve as the co-located operational and community model site for the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine.

Located just off I-57 near Exit 21, the site will provide Lyon veterinary students with an exceptional opportunity to learn through real-world experiences while making a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and the communities they serve.

Partnership Highlights

Co-Location: Veterinary school facilities will be located alongside CASS in Cabot, creating a unique environment where education and community-based animal care come together.

Shelter Medicine and Animal Welfare: Lyon College has received an $11 million grant to establish the Katharine Reese Shelter Medicine and Animal Welfare Program at the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine -- an investment that will help advance education, innovation and leadership in shelter medicine.

Academic Integration: Through CASS, Lyon veterinary students will gain valuable hands-on experience in clinical care, shelter medicine, animal welfare and the day-to-day operations of a community animal care organization.

By connecting students with real-world learning and communities with expanded veterinary expertise, this collaboration will help prepare the next generation of veterinarians while improving the lives of animals and strengthening communities across Arkansas.

(Photos of the CASS beam signing ceremony, courtesy of Touching Moments Photography-Central Arkansas LLC.)

August 11, 2026

08/12/2026

Big things are taking shape in Cabot!

Congratulations to the City of Cabot, Mayor Ken Kincade, the Cabot City Council, Director of Community Services Mike Wheeler, Lonoke County Judge Doug Erwin, the Lonoke County Quorum Court, local, state and federal officials, and our many partners on today’s beam-signing event at the new Cabot Animal Support Services complex.

A special thanks to the talented teams at WDD Architects and Baldwin and Shell Construction Company for their amazing work to bring this campus to life.

The Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine was honored to be part of the celebration, with Dr. Melissa Taverner, president, and Dr. Carolyn Henry, LCSVM dean, sharing remarks about this exciting partnership.

Together, we’re creating new opportunities for veterinary education, shelter medicine, community service and better care for animals across Arkansas.

We’re proud to be building this future together. The best is yet to come! 🐾

(Photos: Touching Moments Photography-Central Arkansas LLC)

07/29/2026

Congratulations to Kristi Price on her appointment as chief of staff at Lyon College!

A valued member of the Lyon community since 2017, Kristi has played an important role in advancing institutional initiatives, supporting shared governance and helping shape the future of Lyon College’s professional schools.

As chief of staff, Kristi will serve as a strategic adviser to President Dr. Melissa Taverner, helping strengthen collaboration, communication and planning across Lyon’s Batesville, Little Rock and Cabot campuses.

“Kristi’s thoughtful leadership and ability to bring people together have made her a trusted colleague across campus,” said Dr. Taverner.

Please join us in celebrating Kristi and this exciting new chapter of service to Lyon College!

Read more here —> https://www.lyon.edu/news/posts/kristi-price-assumes-chief-of-staff-role-at-lyon-college

07/26/2026

Dean Carolyn Henry and Dr. Eason Hildreth represented Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine at Scots in the Rock, where they welcomed Lyon College alumni for a guided tour of the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine. The tour provided alumni with an opportunity to learn more about the School of Dental Medicine’s mission, academic programs, and continued growth.

07/24/2026

Dean Carolyn Henry, Dr. Eason Hildreth, Dr. Ashley Mounts, and Maggie Milligan attended the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association (ArVMA) District 5 meeting held at Whole Hog Restaurant. The meeting provided an opportunity for veterinary professionals to connect, discuss current issues affecting the profession, and exchange ideas on topics impacting animal health and veterinary practice throughout the region.

Legislative matters were a key focus of the meeting, followed by an informative presentation from Jay Smithson, who shared critical updates on the emerging concerns surrounding New World Screwworm and the Asian long-horned tick. The attendees appreciated the timely information and discussion on these important animal health issues. Special thanks to Jay and Boehringer Ingelheim for generously sponsoring the meal and supporting this valuable educational event.

07/17/2026

Dean Carolyn Henry, along with Philanthropy Officer Leah DiPietro and Strategist Maggie Milligan, attended the Cabot Chamber of Commerce Ice Cream Social. Associate Dean of Professional Affairs, Dr. Eason Hildreth and his wife Emily also attended and sampled ice cream. It was a wonderful event that provided an opportunity to visit with Chamber members and citizens from across the community. The ice cream was delicious, and the creative booth decorations added to the festive atmosphere. It was a great evening of community engagement, networking, and celebrating the strong partnerships that make Cabot such a vibrant place.