Arkansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine will officially dedicate the Dash Goff Equine Center – Nodouble Barn at a ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 3 p.m. The facility is located at 3615 Hereford Drive, near Aggie Road and the University Farm and Agricultural Teaching and Research Center in Jonesboro. The equine center, named in honor of prominent thoroughbred horse owner and breeder Dash Goff, was made possible by his $1 million donation to the veterinary college. Goff’s connection to the facilities extends further, as his father, Gene Goff, bred and owned Nodouble, the acclaimed Arkansas-bred racehorse for which the barn is partially named. Nodouble garnered widespread recognition after winning the Arkansas Derby in 1968 and setting several national track racing records. Dr. Heidi Banse, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, emphasized the transformative role the center will play in preparing students for careers as veterinarians.
"We are grateful to Dash Goff for his strong commitment to our College of Veterinary Medicine, our Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students, and the future of the veterinary profession in Arkansas," Banse said in a statement.
The new facility is designed to support competency-based veterinary education. Inside, students will gain hands-on experience with horses through laboratories focused on skills such as hoof care, ultrasounds, and equine restraint. The barn is equipped with eight equine stocks, three stalls, and an equipment storage room to facilitate animal care training. Banse highlighted the importance of the facility as a key element of A-State’s curriculum, ensuring that graduates are career-ready.
“This facility is key to delivering our competency-based veterinary curriculum, ensuring we can train our veterinary students to be prepared to effectively serve the needs of horses, trainers and owners upon graduation," she explained.
The dedication ceremony will also honor Dr. Doyne Hamm, the longtime veterinarian for the Goff family, with a commemorative plaque inside the barn.
The equestrian facility reflects Arkansas State’s growing efforts to serve both students and the regional equine industry. Collaboration with stakeholders like Dash Goff, Oaklawn Racing, and others in the field will help ensure that the next generation of veterinarians is prepared to care for both companion and performance horses.
“We look forward to working with Dash, Oaklawn, and other stakeholders in the equine industry to support our DVM students towards becoming competent and confident veterinarians that can ensure quality care for companion and performance horses across our great state, throughout the Mid-South and beyond," Banse said.