Breaking Boundaries: UMES Set to Make History as Second HBCU with Veterinary School - What You Need to Know!
In a historic move poised to reshape the landscape of veterinary education, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is on the cusp of becoming the second historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the nation to offer a veterinary school. With approval granted by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and Maryland Higher Education Commission, UMES is set to blaze a trail in diversity and excellence in veterinary medicine.
The groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by UMES Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Rondall Allen, aims to address a critical shortage of veterinarians, particularly among Black communities. As the number of pet owners continues to rise, so does the demand for skilled professionals in animal healthcare. Allen emphasizes the urgent need to bridge this gap, citing projections from a Mars Veterinary Health report indicating a shortfall of 55,000 veterinarians by 2030.
"We're committed to meeting the growing demand for veterinarians in our region and beyond," Allen states. "By offering a veterinary school, we not only fulfill a crucial need for animal healthcare but also strive to diversify the veterinary profession."
Dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences at UMES, Moses T. Kairo, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of fostering diversity in the field. With only 3% of veterinarians in the U.S. identifying as Black, Kairo underscores the imperative to broaden representation and create opportunities for underrepresented communities.
"The establishment of our veterinary program marks a significant step towards diversifying the profession," says Kairo. "Our accelerated three-year program will empower students to enter the workforce sooner, meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving industry."
UMES' pioneering initiative follows in the footsteps of Tuskegee University in Alabama, the sole HBCU with a veterinary school since its founding in 1945. With nearly 75% of Black veterinarians in America being Tuskegee graduates, UMES seeks to build upon this legacy of excellence and leadership in veterinary education.
While UMES prepares to embark on this groundbreaking journey, it is important to note that the only other veterinary program in Maryland is a joint venture between Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, and the University of Maryland in College Park. However, with UMES' visionary approach and commitment to diversity, the university is poised to carve out a unique niche in veterinary education, serving as a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring veterinarians of all backgrounds.
As UMES prepares to welcome its inaugural cohort of veterinary students, the university stands at the forefront of a transformative movement towards inclusivity and excellence in veterinary medicine. With each stride forward, UMES reaffirms its commitment to shaping a brighter, more equitable future for the field of veterinary science.
