Hill’s Pet Nutrition partners with CVM to enhance primary care education
Primary care for pets has a bright future at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University thanks to a generous sponsorship by Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
With this gift - the largest corporate gift in our history – the veterinary college will renovate three strategic areas in Mosier Hall to provide approximately 16,000 square feet of new space dedicated for clinical training, classroom teaching and research. The Pet Health & Nutrition Center will be named in honor of Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Interim Dean Dr. Bonnie Rush meets with Drs. Jesper Nordengaard, Jolle Kirpensteijn and Omar Farias from Hill’s Pet Nutrition to thank them for lead gift supporting the creation of a new Pet Health & Nutrition Center at the Veterinary Health Center.
Dr. Elizabeth Davis and Dr. Susan Nelson from the CVM join Emilie Fink, from the KSU Foundation, and Willie the Wildcat at Hill's Pet Nutrition headquarters in Topeka.
Dr. Bonnie Rush and Dr. Jesper Nordengaard sign the agreement
Dr. Omar Farias, Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, Willie the Wildcat and Dr. Bonnie Rush celebrate the new gift.
“This private-public partnership will enhance our educational capacity in small animal nutrition and client communication, to strengthen the preparation of our graduates for success in private practice. We are grateful to Hill’s for their tremendous generosity and investment in our students,” said Dr. Bonnie Rush, interim dean of the college. “This integrative partnership enhances the educational experience for K-State veterinary students through shared resources and expertise. The new experiential learning environment will strengthen our training program in nutrition and primary care, and will attract student externs from colleges of veterinary medicine across North America.”
“Kansas State is an important partner for Hill's Pet Nutrition,” says Jesper Nordengaard, vice president and general manager, Hill’s US, “as it harbors one of the most important veterinary schools in the Midwest of the US. We are proud to support the Pet Health and Nutrition Center as we believe that it fits seamlessly in our vision to help enrich and lengthen the special relationship between people and their pets.”
“By renovating the space and expanding resources, students will have the opportunity to care for their clients in a private practice environment,” Dr. Rush added. “While pet health faculty will have the capability to operate with more autonomy, specialty services remain available when clients’ needs arise.”
This renovation will create 3,400 square feet of space on the first floor of Mosier Hall for the new Hill’s Pet Health & Nutrition Center. This project will also allow the addition of 5,000 square feet research suite on the second floor.
“We are truly excited and grateful to Hill’s for partnering with us to provide this opportunity to teach primary care skills in a facility more representative of a true companion animal practice,” said Dr. Susan Nelson, clinical professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine. “The new facility will allow us to be more feline friendly and enhance student training in all areas of primary care, especially in the areas of nutrition, communication, business management, diagnostics and routine surgical procedures.”
“We are honored to support this great initiative, which will put K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine at the forefront of primary care and nutrition education,” said Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, chief professional veterinary officer, Hill’s US. “We look forward to a continued partnership to create a future generation of veterinarians, fully knowledgeable and confident in making nutritional recommendations, every pet, every time.”
A 270-seat contemporary auditorium will be constructed in a new area of the complex. Additional benefits from the renovations, as detailed by Dr. Rush, include: provision of a comprehensive educational experience in small animal nutrition and communication with pet owners; expansion of wellness-training opportunities for students; additional space for routine procedures; better capabilities to serve the wellness needs of small animal clients; dedicated space for communication training and rounds; and dedicated space for nutritional displays and nutrition consultation.
Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. The right nutrition, combined with the devotion of veterinary professionals can transform the lives of pets; and healthier and happier pets can transform the lives of pet parents. Hill’s is dedicated to pioneering research and ground-breaking nutrition for dogs and cats based on a scientific understanding of their specific needs. HILL’s® Prescription Diet® therapeutic pet foods. HILL’s® Science Diet® and HILL’s® Ideal Balance™ wellness pet foods are sold through veterinarians and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about Hill's, our products and our nutritional philosophy, visit us at HillsPet.com, HillsVet.com for Facebook, keywords “Hill’s Pet Nutrition.”
