Organized research in the College of Veterinary Medicine began in 1913, when an appropriation was made for this purpose and the Veterinary Research Department was established. In 1917, the name was changed to Veterinary Investigation Department. In 1919, the Veterinary Investigation Farm was founded one mile south of the campus and the laboratory there housed the Department. The name of the farm was changed to Veterinary Research Farm in 1931 and one year later, the name of the Department was changed to the Veterinary Research Department. The name was changed in 1943 to the Veterinary Research Institute and the current name was adopted in 1953. The Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine serves as the Director of the Veterinary Medical Research Institute. The present title of Professor-in-Charge was changed from Associate Director in 1974. Previous titles include Director Research, Vice-Director and Assistant Director.