KSU College of Veterinary Medicine receives $1 million for clinical nutrition professorship

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Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a provider of pet nutrition, is investing $1 million in the College of Veterinary Medicine in Kansas State University (KSU) with an endowed small animal clinical nutrition professorship. The investment will be dispersed over the course of 5 years and will endorse the hiring of a distinguished faculty member who will teach essential small animal nutrition courses and lead research in the field, according to a news release.¹

The Hill's Pet Nutrition Clinical Nutrition Professorship aims to help veterinary students with their educational journey and advance veterinary nutritional science. "The new endowed professorship builds on the legacy of an exemplary veterinary medicine program Kansas State University is already known for," Jolle Kirpensteijn, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DECVS, chief veterinary officer at Hill's global, said in the release.¹ "It's important that vet students receive comprehensive education in pet nutrition, which will be a critical aspect of promoting lifelong overall health in pets. We look forward to a continued partnership to create a future generation of veterinarians, fully knowledgeable and confident in making nutritional recommendations."

The professorship is expected to improve the college’s ability to provide innovative pet nutrition research and education, according to the company. The appointed professor will be tasked with creating and teaching courses that encompass all facets of small animal nutrition, ranging from fundamental dietary needs to advanced therapeutic nutrition strategies. They will also spearhead research efforts focused on enhancing nutritional practices and creating new dietary solutions for common and complex health issues in small animals. According to Hill’s,¹ this research will benefit the academic community and have practical applications in veterinary practices worldwide.

"This professorship will enhance our educational capacity in small animal nutrition, strengthening the preparation of our graduates for success in any role they take in veterinary medicine," Bonnie Rush, DVM, MS, DACVIM, Hodes family dean of the college, said in the release.¹ "We are grateful to Hill's Pet Nutrition for their generosity, support and vision for supporting veterinary medical education at Kansas State University. Our partnership has provided tangible several benefits for our students and for clients of the Hill's Pet Health and Nutrition Center in the Veterinary Health Center, and will continue to do so grow with the establishment of this new professorship."

Collaboration between KSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Hill’s Pet Nutrition has a strong standing history, with Hill’s donating $2.4 million to install the Pet Health and Nutrition Center at KSU in 2018, according to a release.¹ The sponsorship was the largest corporate gift in the history of KSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and allowed for the college’s Mosier Hall to be renovated with 16,000 sq ft of new space for clinical training, classroom teaching, and research.² Currently, the center acts as a primary care clinic for both the community and beyond within the college.¹

"Hill's Pet Nutrition's investment in Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine is a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to pet health and well-being," said John Hazlin, president and CEO of Hill's, in the release.¹ "By supporting the education and development of future veterinarians, Hill's is helping to ensure that pets receive the best possible care throughout their lives."

References

1. Hill’s Pet Nutrition invests in Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine with $1 million endowed clinical nutrition professorship. News release. Hill’s Pet Nutrition. August 8, 2024. Accessed August 8, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hills-pet-nutrition-invests-in-kansas-state-universitys-college-of-veterinary-medicine-with-1-million-endowed-clinical-nutrition-professorship-302217363.html
2. Hill’s Pet Nutrition commits major donation for new Pet Health & Nutrition Center at Kansas State University. News release. Kansas State University. November 26, 2018. Accessed August 8, 2024. https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2018-11/hillspet112618.html