The School of Veterinary Medicine honors graduates committed to serving rural and regional communities.
Texas Tech University’s School of Veterinary Medicine celebrated a major milestone in the young program’s history, graduating its second
class of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students during a commencement ceremony at
the Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium.
A total of 80 students earned their DVM degrees, reflecting the program’s continued growth following its historic inaugural graduation last year. This class builds upon the foundation set by the inaugural cohort and represents Texas Tech’s ongoing commitment to addressing critical veterinary workforce needs across Texas, the region and beyond.
Since beginning their journey in August 2022, these students progressed through an innovative curriculum designed to prepare veterinarians for service in rural and regional communities. Many graduates have accepted positions in communities facing veterinary shortages, further delivering on the School of Veterinary Medicine’s purpose and Texas Tech’s promise to Texas.
The ceremony featured welcoming remarks from Texas Tech Provost and Senior Vice President Ronald Hendrick and Texas Tech University System Board of Regents member Clay Cash, who recognized the graduates’ perseverance and the program’s rapid progress in just its second year of alumni.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Steven Golla, DVM, MS Chairman of the Texas
Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, who spoke to the importance of service, leadership
and adaptability in the evolving field of veterinary medicine.
During the ceremony, graduates were awarded their DVM degrees, took the Veterinarian’s Oath and were formally hooded. Class President Emalee Hoffmann also addressed classmates, reflecting on their shared experiences and the unique opportunity of being part of the school’s early legacy.
While this class follows in the footsteps of the inaugural graduates, School of Veterinary Medicine Dean Guy Loneragan emphasized that their role remains equally transformative.
“Each graduating class helps shape who we are and how we serve,” Loneragan said. “This
second class strengthened our culture, embraced our core values and demonstrated a
strong commitment to communities where veterinary care is most needed. We are incredibly
proud of what they have accomplished and confident in the impact they will have as
professionals.”
More Facts About Graduating Class of 2026:
- Over 90% will begin their career in a rural, regional, or large-animal practice
- Over 50% secured employment through clinical year practice partners
- About one-fourth are first-generation students
- Over 200,000 animals were seen throughout the Class of 2026 clinical year
- Graduating students participated in a total of 2,880 weeks of community-engaged learning while delivering much-needed veterinary care during their clinical year