Executive Veterinary Program · University of Illinois
Join The Leaders.
Become part of a legacy of veterinarians who have shaped the future of swine health and livestock production for more than 30 years.
The Executive Veterinary Program (EVP) is a premier leadership development experience for livestock veterinarians ready to expand their influence beyond clinical expertise. Over two years, you’ll learn from industry executives, producers, researchers, economists, and technology leaders while building lasting relationships with a cohort of accomplished peers. Graduates earn a Certificate in Swine Health Management from the University of Illinois and leave prepared to lead the future of the swine industry.
Program Overview
Designed for veterinarians who want to lead beyond the exam room, the Executive Veterinary Program provides immersive learning experiences, executive-level discussions, industry visits, and real-world case studies. Participants develop the leadership, business, and strategic thinking skills needed to become trusted advisors to producers and organizations.
For more than three decades, leading organizations across the swine industry have invested in EVP to develop the next generation of veterinary leaders.
Program-at-a-Glance
Time
8 Modules | 2 Years | 2 Days per Module
Designed for working veterinary professionals, the program includes eight intensive, in-person modules over two years. Each module begins Wednesday afternoon and concludes Friday at noon, minimizing time away from your practice or organization.
Where You’ll Learn:
- 5 modules at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- 3 modules hosted at select program partner locations, providing opportunities to learn in different industry environments
Module Dates
2027
- February 3–5 | Illinois
- April 7–9 | Illinois
- September 29 – October 1 | Michigan
- December 1–3 | Illinois
2028
- February 2–4 | Illinois
- April 5–7 | Kansas City
- September 27-28 | Illinois
- November 29–December 1 | Pennsylvania
2029
- February 21–23 | Dallas
*Module dates and locations are subject to change.
Cost
$10,000 Total Program Investment
The $10,000 program fee covers all eight modules over the two-year program, including instruction, program materials, and meals during each module.
$1,000 Deposit
A $1,000 deposit is required at the time of registration and must be paid by credit card to secure your place in the program.
Flexible Payment Schedule
The remaining $9,000 may be paid in installments, allowing you or your employer to spread the investment across the program.
Standard Payment Schedule:
- $1,000 — Due at registration
- $2,250 — Due January 15, 2027
- $2,250 — Due September 1, 2027
- $2,250 — Due January 15, 2028
- $2,250 — Due September 1, 2028
Participants may adjust their payment schedule as needed, provided the required payment milestones are met to continue in the program.
Payments after the initial deposit may be made by check or credit card.
Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.
Curriculum
- Lead
- Develop your leadership style, influence others, negotiate effectively, and learn how to guide organizations through complex decisions—even when nobody reports directly to you.
- Modules include executive coaching, leadership workshops, communication, negotiation, and systems thinking.
- Think Strategically
- Understand how producers, processors, economists, and business leaders make decisions. Learn to interpret financial information, navigate family businesses, and anticipate the economic forces shaping livestock production.
- Advance Swine Health
- Explore the industry’s most significant disease challenges alongside internationally recognized experts. Build the scientific knowledge and decision-making skills needed to advise clients through complex herd health issues.
- Leverage Technology
- Discover how artificial intelligence, precision livestock technologies, data analytics, and emerging innovations are transforming veterinary medicine—and learn how to lead that transformation rather than react to it.
- Expand Your Influence
- Build meaningful relationships and become a trusted advisor across the industry.
Review the EVP curriculum.
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Why Choose EVP?
Executive education designed specifically for livestock veterinarians.
- Learn from nationally recognized faculty and industry leaders.
- Exclusive access to production systems, processors, and industry partners.
- Develop leadership, business, and technology skills alongside swine expertise.
- Join a lifelong network of respected veterinary professionals.
- Earn a Certificate in Swine Health Management from the University of Illinois.
Who is This Program For?
The Executive Veterinary Program is designed for livestock veterinarians who are ready to increase their impact.
Whether you work in private practice, academia, production medicine, consulting, technical services, or industry, EVP will help you strengthen your leadership, broaden your business perspective, and prepare for greater organizational responsibility.
Many participants attend with the support of their employer as part of their leadership development.
What Will You Gain?
Throughout the program, you’ll develop in five key areas:
- Leadership: Influence people, organizations, and change.
- Strategic thinking: Understand the business, economics, and systems behind modern swine production.
- Advancing swine health: Learn from leading experts tackling the industry’s most significant challenges.
- Leveraging technology: Apply artificial intelligence, precision livestock technologies, and innovation to veterinary practice.
- Expanding your influence: Build lasting relationships and become a trusted advisor across the industry.
Join a legacy of veterinary leaders committed to advancing swine health.
The Executive Veterinary Program doesn’t change what you do—it changes the level at which you lead.
Not sure if this program is right for you? Contact us and we will help you decide.