Arkansas State University is set to mark a significant milestone as it prepares to welcome the first cohort of students to its newly established College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). The inaugural class of 120 students will officially begin their journey toward earning Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees with a white coat ceremony scheduled for Saturday, August 8, at 2 p.m. at the Fowler Center in Jonesboro.
According to Dr. Heidi Banse, dean of the CVM, the white coat ceremony represents a critical rite of passage for veterinary students. "The white coat ceremony marks the entry of our students into the veterinary profession, a rite of passage in which they pledge to serve animal health and adhere to ethical standards," Dr. Banse explained. During the event, each student will be presented with their white coat by a practicing veterinarian, symbolizing their commitment to professional responsibilities as they embark on their veterinary education journey.
The new CVM at Arkansas State, one of the first in the region, reflects a growing emphasis on addressing the shortage of veterinarians nationwide, including in Arkansas and neighboring states. Classes for the CVM students will begin on Wednesday, August 9, a full week ahead of the university’s regular semester start.
The diverse incoming class includes students from across the United States and beyond, representing various academic backgrounds in biology, animal science, agriculture, and related fields. Details on the students' previous educational institutions reveal graduates from colleges such as the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State, and Penn State, alongside universities as far-ranging as Colorado State, Virginia Tech, the University of South Carolina, and even Universidad Agraria De La Habana in Cuba.
Orientation activities for the incoming students began the first week of August, designed to familiarize them with campus resources, the program's rigorous academic schedule, and the collaborative environment they will rely on during their studies.
With the ceremonial welcome on Saturday, Arkansas State University’s CVM aims to establish traditions that will inspire and support future veterinary professionals as they prepare to address critical health needs for animals across many communities.