Student Spotlight: Amber Chavez (DVM Class of 2018)

For as long as she’s been in school, Amber Chavez’s April 29 birthday has fallen on final exam week.
But this year, her birthday falls on a day she’s been working toward her whole life—her last day of school as a veterinary student in Mississippi State’s College of Veterinary Medicine before graduation.
She is about to become the first person in her family not only to graduate from college, but to have earned an advanced degree.
“Big things are happening that week,” Chavez said. “I’m a little nervous but mostly excited.”
Born in Mobile, Alabama, to parents who both worked two jobs to support their family, Chavez knew the value of hard work from a young age.
“I wouldn’t have the work ethic I have if it wasn’t for them,” she said. “They wanted something better, for them and for me, and they did what had to be done.”  Read More Here

Annual Alpha Psi 5K Run/Walk sponsored by Nestle Purina

Students, participants and their pets braved the weather to participate in the annual Alpha Psi 5K Run/Walk sponsored by Nestle Purina. The course ran though the roads and parking areas around the Wise Center. Click Here for more images.

Sherry Blackmon and Audrey Anne Estess at AVMA Legislative Fly-In

Each year, MSU-CVM has a few of our very own students attend the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)'s Legislative Fly-In in Washington D.C. This year's Fly-In took place on March 26-27, and the two students representing us this year were Sherry Blackmon and AudreyAnne Estess.

AudreyAnne shares her exciting experience below from this year's Fly-In:

"I had the wonderful opportunity to represent MSU-CVM at the annual AVMA Legislative Fly-In. There were about 100 veterinarians and veterinary students meeting with U.S. Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill. Among many topics, we discussed animal health/agriculture research, vaccine banks, and student loan repayment programs. It was so eye opening to learn about everything that happens in Congress that has a direct impact on animal health and the veterinary profession. At the Fly-In, I served as an advocate for companion animals, farm animals, pet owners, farmers, and veterinary professionals. It was so fulfilling to know that I was standing up for policy that would benefit such a wide array of humans and animals. I look forward to future opportunities in which I can be a voice for our profession."

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