pegasus press the official newsletter of the college of veterinary medicine at msu - JULY 2025

The DVM Class of 2029

The College of Veterinary Medicine's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2029 was recently inducted into the veterinary profession during a special convocation ceremony. You can learn about this remarkable new crop of future vets by clicking the link below.

STEPHANIE AND RICK WELCH ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

At the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, we are honored to help preserve the legacy of Stephanie Welch, a passionate animal rescuer whose heart for horses left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

valuing mental health

Vet school is a rigorous endeavor, and a career in veterinary medicine, although rewarding, is known to be one of the most stressful. To protect the mental health of the College of Veterinary Medicine family, the College initiated a mental health and wellness program led by Dr. Pauline Prince.

Dean's Message

Dear Friends,

The Coating Ceremony held in late June saw us welcome the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2029 into the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. It was an honor to welcome this group of 119 new students into the veterinary profession, and I was especially pleased to see so many of their friends and families in attendance at the ceremony. I would like to thank everyone who helped organize the event. I would also like to give special thanks to the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association for presenting each new student with a personalized cowbell.

This academic year will see the implementation of our new rural veterinary practice certificate program. The program's goal is to address the need for veterinary practitioners in rural communities. The Class of 2029 will be the first group of students to have access to the program, which can be earned in tandem with their DVM degree. I am pleased to report that more than 70 students attended the initial class session to explore joining the program.

I recently learned that Safe Haven for Pets, a program that helps animals who are victims of abuse or homelessness, has admitted its 250th animal. We have calculated that this means the program has now provided 8,300 days of individualized veterinary care and boarding. This program is making a huge difference in the lives of pets and the families that love them. Thank you, Dr. Sharon Grace, and all the others whose tireless efforts have made this program so profoundly impactful.

Dr. Nicholas Frank, Dean

LUMI, THE MIRACLE CAT

When 6-month-old ragdoll kitten Lumi arrived at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s Animal Health Center, her owner was looking for an answer, and it turned out to be anything but typical.

KAPLAN TALKS ABOUT HER IMPACT AS AN AMERICAN SCIENTIST

Dr. Barbara Kaplan, an immunotoxicologist at the College of Veterinary Medicine, shares her thoughts about veterinary science.

SUPPORT THE VET SCHOOL

We can't do the amazing work we do without support from people like you. To learn how you can ensure the College of Veterinary Medicine continues leading the way in animal care, public safety and research, please consider giving.

THE VET MED CAST

This month, on the Vet Med Cast, you can listen to interviews with Dr. Ian Evans, a 2024 graduate of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, and Mary Beth Baldwin, assistant director of development and founder of a scholarship that supports the Veterinary Medical Technology program.