Big news, South Carolina pet lovers and future veterinarians: history is officially in the making. For decades, aspiring vets in the Palmetto State had to head out of state to chase their dreams. But that is all about to change.

In the latest episode of Soda City Unleashed, host Emily White sits down with Dr. Brian Butler, the Associate Dean of Clinical Programs at Clemson University’s brand-new Harvey S. Peeler, Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine—the very first veterinary school in South Carolina history!

Dr. Butler takes us behind the scenes of what it takes to launch a modern veterinary program from scratch and how Clemson is completely shaking up traditional vet school training.

Rerouting Vet Education: The “Partially Distributed” Model

Traditional veterinary schools usually require students to spend their final year exclusively inside a massive, university-owned teaching hospital. Clemson is doing things a bit differently—and a bit smarter.

Dr. Butler breaks down their innovative “partially distributed” clinical model. Instead of keeping students siloed on campus, Clemson is partnering with elite, real-world multi-specialty and emergency facilities across the state—including at CVETS!

What does this mean for students?

• Real-World Confidence: Students get out of the classroom lecture hall and into fast-paced, high-volume emergency environments.

• Deep-Rooted Mentorship: Learning directly from practicing specialists who are in the trenches every day.

• Community Impact: Strengthening the veterinary landscape across South Carolina, ensuring top-tier care reaches the local and rural communities that need it most.

Shaking Up the Curriculum

It’s not just the location of the training that’s changing; it’s how students learn. Dr. Butler dives into Clemson’s competency-based curriculum. Rather than just checking off boxes on a spreadsheet or memorizing textbooks, the program focuses heavily on building a “growth mindset” and mastering practical, day-one skills.

With an inaugural class handpicked at 80 students, Clemson is looking for the future leaders of veterinary medicine—people who are adaptable, compassionate, and ready to pioneer a new era of animal care.

Whether you’re a pre-vet student mapping out your future, a pet owner curious about the future of your animal’s care, or just a proud South Carolinian excited to see Tigertown make history, this episode is a must-watch.

Ready to see the future of pet health in South Carolina? Watch the full episode of Soda City Unleashed here and subscribe for more exclusive insider looks at the pet community!

At CVETS, we are incredibly proud to partner with Clemson University to help mentor and shape the next generation of veterinarians. To learn more about our emergency and specialty services, visit us at CVETS.net.