Show-Me State Times

The University of Missouri is honoring Dr. Dan Brown, a veterinarian and former state senator, by naming the building that houses Mizzou's Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory after him. The decision was made by a vote of the University of Missouri Board of Curators.

UM Board of Curators Chair, Todd Graves, remarked that naming the building the "Dr. Dan Brown Building" acknowledges the late senator’s significant contributions to veterinary medicine and agriculture within the state. Graves noted, “Dr. Brown served the state and the University of Missouri admirably as both a private citizen and a public servant."

Dr. Brown, an alumnus of the MU College of Veterinary Medicine, had served the Rolla community for more than 30 years. He was actively involved in the Missouri General Assembly for a decade, holding positions in both the Senate and the House. His leadership extended to supporting agriculture and veterinary medicine, where he was also involved with the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and the Missouri Farm Bureau.

University of Missouri President, Mun Choi, emphasized Brown's advocacy for higher education, stating, “Senator Brown was a strong and effective supporter of higher education throughout his life.” Choi expressed pride in naming the building at the College of Veterinary Medicine after Brown.

The renamed facility, the Dr. Dan Brown Building, holds the Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (VMDL). It is the sole full-service veterinary diagnostic lab in Missouri with accreditation from the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. The VMDL managed around 63,500 cases and performed nearly 204,500 tests in 2024.

College of Veterinary Medicine Dean, Srinand Sreevatsan, discussed the lab's services, saying, “The work done at this facility serves Missouri, the United States and the world.” The lab provides services to various industries and supports student learning.

Brown's legacy is carried on by his son, current state Sen. Justin Brown, and grandson, Brody Brown, a student at Mizzou’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Justin Brown expressed gratitude for the honor, saying, “My father treasured his time at Mizzou and I know he would be honored to have a facility named after him."