Madison, Wisconsin: University Archives and Records Management Services
Summary
In the first part of this 1987 interview conducted by Laura Smail and Donald K. Smith, Bernard Easterday discusses the School of Agriculture’s early support for the veterinary school at UW. Easterday points out the failure of the Coordinating Council for Higher Education (CCHE) to develop a school of veterinary medicine. He discusses the challenges of a regional program of veterinary medicine between Wisconsin and Minnesota. He talks about the support from Martin Schrieber and rural groups in the state for a school of veterinary medicine. He also talks about opposition to a school of veterinary medicine from Governor Patrick Lucey and on UW campuses. He discusses recruiting faculty for the school of veterinary medicine and the first graduating class. He points out changes in animal medicine over the years. He describes the accreditation process. He ends part 1 of this interview with discussing the River Falls veterinary system. In the second part of this interview, Bernard Easterday discusses his background. He talks about the Department of Veterinary Science. He describes the role of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association. He discusses extension and veterinary medicine. He describes the Veterinary School’s relationship with local veterinarians. He ends part 2 of this interview with discussing future plans for the Department of Veterinary Science.