New Animal Health Center Reflects Cal Poly’s Commitment to Innovation and Hands-On Learning

In November 2024, Cal Poly’s Animal Science Department celebrated the groundbreaking of the Charles and Claire Jacobson Animal Health Center, starting a new chapter for both student learning and animal care on campus. Construction is nearly complete, with the new building shaping into a space that will be devoted to hands-on training for students in animal health furthering the preparedness of graduates in meeting the growing demand for animal health and science professionals.

The new facility is anticipated to be open to students in early 2026. The center is divided into two major components: a clinical area and a teaching area. The clinical side will hold small and large animal exam spaces, stalls for hospitalized animals, a laboratory, storage for radiographic, ultrasound, endoscopes, diagnostic equipment and office space for faculty and student managers. The teaching area features a modern classroom, research space, a conference room and a skeleton gallery showcasing a wide variety of animal skeletons including a giraffe, a cow and more that will also be used for hands-on teaching. 

The Animal Health Center has been years in the making, with a vision of expanding teaching opportunities for students and improving care for the approximately 10,000 animals that reside at the university. Cal Poly has long been recognized as having one of the strongest preveterinary programs in the country – and uniquely, one that maintains a dedicated veterinary clinic for the many animals living on campus.

“When I started in 1998, it was obvious even then that we needed a new clinic,” said Jaymie Noland, retired department head. “The clinic has always focused on animal health and hands-on Learn by Doing experiences for students pursuing careers in animal health.” 

Noland also shared how the vision for a new facility came to life thanks to the generosity and support of Charles and Claire Jacobson. “The Jacobsons embraced the vision of a vet clinic on campus that fulfilled our mission,” she said. “Claire loved animals, particularly dogs and horses, and she deeply appreciated seeing more young women pursuing their dreams in the animal health field.”

“This new building supports and aligns beautifully with Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing mission,” added Kim Sprayberry, veterinarian and associate department head. “It includes spaces that facilitate both lecture-style and lab-based learning, while the clinical areas will allow students to engage directly in providing veterinary care for the animals that reside on campus. It’s going to be a modern and beautiful space in which we host labs for the many animal science courses that involve animals.”

Though the department’s current veterinary clinic holds a special place in many hearts, the Animal Health Center represents a bold step forward. “Having the new Animal Health Center will be a statement of our producing students who’ll continue to be leaders in the future,” Sprayberry said. “We want the spaces they learn in to reflect the high-quality workplaces they’ll enter after graduating.”

The Charles and Claire Jacobson Animal Health Center stands as a testament to Cal Poly’s commitment to innovation, education and excellence in animal care, ensuring that the next generation of students can continue to Learn by Doing in a facility that matches their passion and potential.

Read more stories in the Fall 2025 Newsletter