Rattlers take on New Journey

L-R (1,3,4,5 and 6) TayVon Lucas, Jasmine Smith, Kayla Brown,
Dianna Smith, Aaron Judson.

Five former Florida A&M University (FAMU) Rattlers begin their new journey together as Tigers at Tuskegee University (TU) School of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama.

The school of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee was established in 1945.

Jasmine Smith, TayVon Lucas, Aaron Judson, Diana Smith, and Kayla Brown are representing rattler pride as they begin their new mile stone as the graduating class of 2019 at Tuskegee University School of veterinary Medicine.

“The family-like atmosphere and rich heritage are the biggest similarities between both TU and FAMU,” Lucas said. 

The School of Veterinary Medicine has graduated approximately 70 percent of the nations African American Veterinarians and approximately 92 percent of the Veterinarians from other countries who have studied in the United States for the professional degree. 

Dr. Lee Anderson serves as the advisor and instructor for animal science pre-vet programs at FAMU. The Veterinary Technology program is an intensive four-year degree program which trains students to provide medical and non-medical support to veterinarians. 

“We have a very good relationship with Tuskegee University,” Dr. Anderson said. “It is a rigorous course, but I strongly believe that students can make it through the program. We know they pick the crème of the crop, so we advocate them to apply to many schools to increase their chances.”

Tuskegee's School of Medicine is the top producer of African American Veterinarians.

“I chose Tuskegee due to numerous encounters with the Veterinary School’s students and alumni. One in particular was Dr. Ray Mobley; a veterinarian working in the cooperative extension program at FAMU. Also, the university as a whole felt very welcoming,” Aaron Judson said.

Jasmine Smith expressed how pleased she is with the experience so far at the university.

“We are learning at a fair pace, the teachers are nice and encouraging . We’ve already started diligently working in wet labs, and taking part in grand rounds. There’s so much to learn and I’m more than grateful to be a part of this experience,” said Jasmine Smith. 

Although both TU and FAMU have outstanding school spirit, Lucas says that he will miss FAMU's spirit becaue Set Friday -a weekly event held on campus- consistently revitalized them.

“I miss Set Fridays the most. TU and FAMU both have amazing school spirit, but TU doesn't have a weekly event like Set Friday to constantly renew that school spirit,” Lucas said.