Exploring Opportunities

Clemson University's College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is on a mission to produce highly skilled and caring veterinarians to serve various roles in the work force. From small and large animal clinicians to those working with zoos and exotic animal species, CVM veterinarians' expertise and interests will run the gamut. Some key areas of the profession are the high-demand fields like public health and regulatory services.

"We want to expose students to all of the amazing opportunities that exist in the world of public health, public service and research," said CVM Founding Dean Steven Marks. "To fill this need, the CVM is making connections and building relationships with key stakeholders now."

As part of these outreach efforts, Jack Shere, the Deputy Administrator for Veterinary Services at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Health Inspection Service (APHIS), stopped by Clemson to meet with the CVM leadership team and the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (CAFLS) Interim Dean, Greg Yarrow. Others involved in the meeting included those in animal and human public health. CVM Steering Committee Co-Chair and former SC State Veterinarian and president of the SC Association of Veterinarians, Boyd Parr, arranged this important visit.

"These meetings allowed everyone to not only get to know one another, but also to discover areas of mutual interest and vision," said Parr. "Our meetings included a working lunch with 12 members of the Clemson One Health Research Group where discussions included the collaborative research being done at Clemson and ways the USDA and Clemson might be able to assist each other in producing not only relevant research, but also to produce scientists that could be recruited to work for USDA."

Parr went on to say that Shere also toured the animal units of the Piedmont Research and Education Center, Godley Snell Research Center and the Aquatic Research unit. He also visited the future site for CVM facilities and the T. Ed Garrison Arena. USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge Towana Guinyard and State Veterinarian/Clemson Livestock Poultry Health Director Michael Neault were also a part of this visit.

Additionally, Shere learned more about the CVM program including curriculum and facilities. The CVM will utilize what's called a partially distributed model of learning where students will spend their fourth year in various clerkships at veterinary hospitals and facilities across the state. CVM students will also enhance their experiential learning using the existing farms and resources at Clemson.

"We wanted to introduce Shere to the plans for the Clemson CVM program, especially the features of it that are pertinent to the future professional needs of the USDA APHIS." said Parr. "Also, we wanted to let him see first-hand the resources already available at Clemson, such as its livestock herds and flocks, as well as the facilities under construction that will leverage those assets to produce veterinarians well-equipped for the needs of the USDA."

The USDA needs veterinarians, particularly those interested in farm animal health, research, public health and epidemiology.

"We were so pleased to represent Clemson's CVM and begin building this important relationship with the USDA," said Marks. "Our mission is to serve the people and animals in South Carolina and beyond. Connecting with professionals from diverse careers and specialties will be so valuable in showing our students the breadth of opportunities that are open to them when they complete their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree with Clemson. There are so many avenues to serve our community, and we are looking forward to exploring all the ways we can partner with the USDA and others."

Additionally, Shere was impressed with the level of hands-on experience current pre-vet students are gaining in CAFLS and how this knowledge will prepare students to be successful CVM students should they choose Clemson. Pending accreditation, the CVM will welcome its first class of students in the Fall of 2026. Don't forget to follow Clemson CVM (@ClemsonVetMed) on social media to be a part of this journey.