Five SU College of Ag alumni will begin their veterinary school journey this Fall
Baton Rouge, La. – Five graduates of the Southern University College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences (CAHES) will begin their journeys to become veterinarians this Fall.
The students, Ahlayna Calhoun from Monroe, La.; Cashe` Landry from New Orleans; Karrington Hall from Baton Rouge, La.; Cameron Hays from Zachary, La.; and Tyler Jackson from Baton Rouge, La., have all been accepted into schools of veterinary medicine. Three of the students received multiple acceptances to schools such as Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, as well as offers to apply to several schools. All five decided to attend LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
Receiving acceptance into a veterinary school or being asked to apply to a school is no small feat. According to the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC),in the 2020-2021 admissions cycle, there were over 10,000 applicants, and each applicant submitted applications to an average of 4.89 different schools. Nationwide, approximately 3,000 students are admitted to veterinary schools each fall.
“As the Pre-Vet Program Lead in CAHES at Southern University, I’m incredibly proud of our students who’ve been accepted into veterinary school,” said Tyra Davis, D.V.M., who is also an Assistant Professor in CAHES and Campus Veterinarian for Southern University. “At CAHES, we work hard to make sure our students are prepared, offering hands-on experiences, research opportunities, and programs like Vet Explore and Vet on Wheels that bring veterinary medicine to life. These experiences don’t just build resumes—they build confidence and real-world skills,” she expressed.
That hard work and access to opportunities are what the students said helped them reach their goal of entering vet school.
“Southern not only prepared me to step confidently into my next chapter of vet school, but the College of Agriculture provided me with diverse opportunities to further my knowledge and skills in the field,” stated Ahlayna. “Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of working closely with professors on various research projects, attending multiple conferences and symposiums, and traveling across the country every summer for different internship opportunities. These experiences have been invaluable in shaping my understanding of veterinary medicine and preparing me for the challenges ahead,” she added.
Cache`, Karrington, Cameron, and Tyler each echoed Ahlayna sentiments.
“The hands-on experiences, the demanding coursework, and the support of mentors shaped me not only as a student but as a future veterinarian,” said Cache`. The College of Ag didn’t just prepare me for vet school – it gave me the resilience, the knowledge, and the confidence to step into a future filled with opportunity and purpose,” she added.
“There were many days – so many nights–where I truly felt like giving up. I cried, I doubted myself, I struggled, but Dr. Davis never let me sink into the doubt,” expressed Cache`.
“My journey is one that I will forever look back on as something that has shaped me into the person I am today. From the moment I stepped on the Bluff, I hit the ground running. The opportunities and connections I made through the College of Ag are unmatched. From study abroad experiences, internships, TV appearances, and working toward my ultimate goal of getting into veterinary school, my time at Southern has been truly unforgettable,” said Karrington.
“Whether it was presenting research, traveling the world, or engaging with the community, I was constantly challenged to grow both personally and professionally. The support from faculty, staff, and my peers created a foundation that I know will carry me through veterinary school and into my future career,” Karrington added.
Cameron said that from a very young age, she knew that Veterinary Medicine was her calling, and CAHES helped fuel her passion to reach her end goal.
“During my time at Southern, I gained lifelong mentorship. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue internships that allowed me to gain invaluable hands-on experience in various veterinary settings,” she said. “I was offered research opportunities that broaden my understanding of veterinary science and animal welfare.”
Tyler also said he had always known that he wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, but at the time, his experience was limited to working with dogs and cats at a small local animal clinic. During the spring semester of his freshman year, he began volunteering at the university’s poultry, rabbitry, and swine units, located on the campus. This opened the door for research opportunities.
“I conducted my own research on rabbits under the guidance of Dr. Jodi Morton and assisted with several other research projects. Each summer of my undergraduate career, I secured internships that allowed me to explore different aspects of veterinary medicine, engage in research, and gain a broader understanding of the profession,” reflected Tyler. “These experiences strengthened my resume and helped shape me into a well-rounded student, ultimately leading to my acceptance into two veterinary schools: Louisiana State University and Tuskegee University. The College of Agriculture at Southern University has been an incredible part of my journey, and I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world,” said Tyler
“We’re proud of what our students have accomplished, and we’re committed to creating even more opportunities to help them succeed in the future," added Dr. Davis.
As Ahlayna, Cashe`, Karrington, Cameron, and Tyler prepare to enter the next chapter of their academic careers, they leave the following advice to students who aspire to become veterinarians.
“Seek out as many opportunities as possible, whether within the college or around the country. These experiences will broaden your perspective and provide practical insights into the field,” said Ahlayna. “Networking is invaluable; build connections with peers, professors, and professionals in the field. These relationships can offer guidance, support, and potential career opportunities. And last but not least stay positive and resilient; maintaining a positive attitude will help you navigate challenges and stay focused on your goals. Remember that setbacks are part of the journey, and perseverance is key to success,” she added.
“Hold onto that dream with everything you’ve got.,” said Cache`. “This path isn’t easy. There will be long nights, hard days, and moments when you feel like it’s just too much. You’ll cry. You’ll doubt yourself. But I promise, if this is what you truly want, itis so worth it. Lean on your support system. Let your professors challenge you, especially the ones like Dr. Davis who push you when you’re at your breaking point, because they see something in you that you might not see yet. Trust that. Believe in that. And most of all, be kind to yourself. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be persistent. Every small step you take is part of something so much bigger. It may take more than one cycle, but to stay the course,” she added
“Take it one day at a time, because that is all you can do,” expressed Karrington. The journey to veterinary school is not always easy — itis filled with challenges, moments of doubt, and hard work — but it is also filled with growth, discovery, and incredible rewards. Stay consistent, stay passionate, and trust that every step, no matter how small, is bringing you closer to your dream,” said Karrington Hall.
“The journey is challenging but with determination, you will overcome every obstacle. Build relationships with mentors at the university that will help guide you on your journey. Remember to give yourself grace because the end goal will be rewarding,” stated Cameron.
“My advice to future scholars like me who aspire to become veterinarians is to stay open-minded and willing to step outside of your comfort zone. Not every opportunity will immediately seem appealing, but you never know the impact it could have—some experiences can truly be life-changing,” said Tyler. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance. Take every chance to build connections along your journey; they can open doors you never expected could be opened,” he added.
For additional information on the CAHES Pre-Veterinary Medicine Concentration, visit https://www.suagcenter.com/academics/department-of-agricultural-sciences-and-technology.
