OVERLAND PARK, KAN. — Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a division of Colgate-Palmolive, announced a $1 million investment in Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine through the creation of an endowed small animal clinical nutrition professorship. The investment, spread over five years, will support the appointment of a distinguished faculty member who will teach critical small animal nutrition courses and conduct innovative research in the field.

The Hill’s Pet Nutrition Clinical Nutrition Professorship is designed to enhance the educational experience of veterinary students and contribute to the advancement of veterinary nutritional science. According to Hill’s, this initiative maintains the company’s long-standing commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of pets through education, research and practical application.

“The new endowed professorship builds on the legacy of an exemplary veterinary medicine program Kansas State University is already known for,” said Jolle Kirpensteijn, global chief veterinary officer of Hill’s. “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.”

Through the professorship, the appointed professor will be responsible for developing and teaching courses that cover all aspects of small animal nutrition.

In addition to teaching, the professor will lead research initiatives aimed at improving nutritional practices and developing new dietary solutions for common and complex health issues in small animals. The goal of this research is to benefit both the academic community and veterinary practices around the world.

“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,” said Bonnie Rush, Hodes family dean of the college. “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.”

Hill’s Pet Nutrition has a history of collaboration with K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2018, the company contributed $2.4 million to establish the Pet Health and Nutrition Center, which serves as a primary care clinic within the college, for the community and beyond.

“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 wellbeing,” said John Hazlin, president and chief executive officer of Hill’s. “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.”