The University of Arizona's long-time dream of opening a veterinary school won't be coming true anytime soon.
The proposed project, which received $8 million from state taxpayers in this year's budget, is now on hold until at least 2019 after the nation's veterinary school accreditor turned down the UA's accreditation proposal a second time.
The American Veterinary Medical Association's Council on Education first ruled last summer that the UA's plans for the new school were flawed to the point that students might not receive a high quality veterinary education.
The UA spent $10,000 to appeal the ruling and today announced it lost the appeal.
The veterinary school was a signature initiative of departing UA president Ann Weaver Hart, who convinced the state Legislature to make the $8 million contribution.
Provost Andrew Comrie said the university will continue its efforts to obtain accreditation.
He said the UA already is more than halfway there because the accreditor found on appeal that the UA meets 7 of 11 quality standards.
Prior to the appeal, the UA met 6 of the standards.
