Lyon College, City of Cabot finalize lease for veterinary school

Batesville-based Lyon College and the city of Cabot have finalized a lease agreement for the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine. The agreement was approved by the Lyon College Board of Trustees on Nov. 12 and received approval from the Cabot City Council at Monday’s (Nov. 18) meeting.

The school will be located on a newly formed multi-acre campus adjacent to Game Time at The Grounds city park. Groundbreaking is planned for early 2025.

Aldermen approved a resolution to sell about 20 acres of property to developer 11 Arrows for $5.7 million for development and construction of property for animal services facilities. The city will lease the property and use a portion of it for Cabot Animal Support Services facilities, a veterinary clinic to benefit the local community, administrative offices, and other related uses.

The city will sublease the remainder of the premises to Lyon College, from which it will operate the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine. The city and Lyon will also collaborate on an animal services clinic to provide a wide variety of services, including those at reduced cost and no cost, to the Cabot community.

The new veterinary school is expected to be the first graduate program for veterinary science in Arkansas. The campus will also feature the Cabot Animal Services Center, a partnership that will provide immersive learning experiences for students.

Under the terms of the lease, the city will provide facilities for Lyon College to develop this veterinary program.

“The city of Cabot is excited to welcome Lyon College’s School of Veterinary Medicine to our community,” said Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade. “Cabot’s commitment to fostering excellence in education and healthcare aligns perfectly with Lyon College’s mission. Together, we are creating a hub for veterinary excellence that will not only benefit our residents and animals but also contribute to the advancement of veterinary medicine regionally and beyond.”

Last year, Cabot and Lyon College signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to pursue this endeavor. The center will offer hands-on training opportunities in animal care, health management, and community welfare.

“Cabot offers a dynamic community, located in a beautiful, ideal setting that provides so many desirable amenities to support our graduate students and their families,” said Dr. Melissa Taverner, president of Lyon College. “With outstanding facilities and a commitment to professional excellence, bolstered by a powerful public-private partnership, the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine will prepare future veterinarians to address the evolving challenges in animal health and care. We are extremely grateful to the city council, Mayor Kincade and our partners in Cabot for making the school a reality.”

Talk Business & Politics will update this story later today.