Purdue Veterinary Medicine (PVM) recently hosted a significant gathering involving its key partners in the Vet Up! National HCOP Academy for Veterinary Medicine program. The success of this program is intrinsically linked to the collaborations with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The gathering, known as the Vet Up! Partners Meeting, took place on October 23-24 at the newly inaugurated David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex.

This meeting served as a pivotal occasion for representatives from founding partner schools, including Tuskegee University, the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, North Carolina A&T, Prairie View A&M, Florida A&M, and the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, to delve into discussions about the strategic enhancement and expansion of their partnership with PVM.

The Vet Up! National HCOP Academy for Veterinary Medicine program is underpinned by a recently renewed five-year, $3.2 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The collaborative effort aims to create opportunities for underrepresented students to engage with veterinary medicine.

The representatives in attendance, including department chairs and faculty from various disciplines, engaged in conversations about aligning goals and strengthening collaborative efforts. These HBCU partners have been integral to the Vet Up! program since its inception in 2019, contributing support letters and aiding in the identification of students for program participation.

Marsha Baker, Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at PVM, emphasized the significance of these partnerships in promoting PVM to a broader audience. “The partnerships with the HBCUs are crucial in raising awareness of our school and programs through virtual and on-campus visits, as well as in marketing PVM to their students,” she stated.

Dr. Sandy San Miguel, Associate Dean for Engagement, presented insights into the VetaHumanz program as a potential avenue for collaboration. This initiative explores setting up host sites to introduce veterinary medicine and science to children in grades K–4. Additionally, Dr. Chad Brown, Director of Purdue Veterinary Nursing Programs, shed light on the Veterinary Nursing degree programs and the comprehensive support systems available for students.

The meeting not only facilitated knowledge exchange but also equipped the partner institutions to effectively communicate PVM’s offerings to their students. Marsha Baker expressed the desire to increase the number of underrepresented students visiting the Purdue campus, providing them with insights into graduate research opportunities, the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, and Veterinary Nursing programs.

For further information about this partnership or the Vet Up! program, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to vetup@purdue.edu. The collaborative efforts exemplify a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the field of veterinary medicine.