Mission, Vision, and Values

Our Mission is to examine dynamic and adaptive responses to animal health, and promote local impact in global narratives.

Our Vision is to foster creative engagement with the past, to inspire and inform future innovation and advancement in the veterinary field.

Our Values are… Curiosity, Collaboration, and Accessibility

Museum Origins

Old anatomy building — In 1901, the University of Minnesota constructed a Veterinary Medicine Building for $25,000 (shown on the right, with chimneys). The Annex building on the left is an addition added in 1915. These buildings were razed in 1992 (Annex) and 2011 (Veterinary Medicine).

In August, 1985 the president of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Walter Mackey, discussed the possibility of a museum with the Chairman of the MVMA’s Memorial and Historical Committee, Dr. John Arnold. In September, Dr. Arnold and his committee discussed the idea with the MVMA, the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine, the Minnesota Veterinary Council, and the Minnesota Veterinary Alumni and Friends Society. From December 1985 to February 1986, organizational meetings were held and Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws were adopted.

Museum Founders

Glen Nelson

As a prospective student, Dr. Glen H. Nelson played a key role in the establishment of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota by lobbying the state legislature amongst dozens of other WWII veterans. He graduated in 1951 as a member of the first class. Dr. Nelson joined the faculty of the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1961, retiring 31 years later.

Bee Hanlon

Dr. Griselda “Bee” Hanlon was one of two women in the U of M's College of Veterinary Medicine class of 1952. The first female tenure-track professor at the College, she taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses, and earned the rank of Full Professor in the early 1970s, as well as becoming a nationally renowned radiologist.

Dale Sorenson

Dale Sorensen was a native of western Wisconsin. He received his D.V.M. from Kansas State University in 1946 and his Ph.D. from the Univ. of Wisconsin in 1953. He joined the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine as an Assistant Professor in 1953 and became a Professor in 1959. Sorensen was Acting Dean of the U of M College of Veterinary Medicine in 1972, and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Research from 1980 to 1987.

Walter Mackey

Dr. Walter J. Mackey was instrumental in founding the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1947 by lobbying his state legislature among dozens of other WWII veterans. He graduated in 1951 as a member of the first class. He had a private practice for 13 years and then became director of the University's Research Animal Division, followed by a position teaching anatomy at the College. He finished his career as assistant veterinarian for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, retiring in 1992. After retirement, he served as curator of the museum, and dedicated thousands of hours of work to it.

Our Purpose and History

Mission, Vision, and Values

Museum Origins

Museum Founders

Wendell DeBoer