Inaugural Class of Veterinary Medicine Students Receive White Coats in Special Ceremony

JONESBORO – Family and friends of members of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s first class at Arkansas State University packed Fowler Center Saturday for a White Coat Ceremony, which is expected to become an annual tradition for the state’s first veterinary school.

Following a welcome address by Dr. Heidi Banse, dean, and remarks from Dr. Will McLean, interim provost and executive vice chancellor, the president of the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) delivered a keynote address to the students who have been selected for the program.

“On behalf of veterinarians across our state, I want to congratulate each and every one of you on earning your place in the inaugural class of the Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine,” said Dr. Sarah Shedenhelm, who practices at the Baxter County Animal Clinic in Mountain Home. “Today is much bigger than the beginning of veterinary school. It marks the beginning of a new era for veterinary medicine in Arkansas.”

Shedenhelm started her own educational journey at ASU-Mountain Home before transferring to A-State to study animal science. She noted the day “ . . . is especially meaningful to me, because I, too, am a Red Wolf.” She was among those who had to go out of state to complete a veterinary degree.

“For decades, students from across Arkansas, who dreamed of becoming veterinarians, had to leave home to pursue that dream. Today, because of the vision, dedication and perseverance of so many people in this room, future generations will have the opportunity to receive an outstanding veterinary education right here in our home state.”

The White Coat Ceremony ceremonially marks the student’s entry into the veterinary profession. As part of this ceremony, students were coated by a veterinarian as the college’s faculty members looked on.

Students have been on campus for orientation the first week of August. The new CVM facility will be dedicated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, and classes will begin Wednesday, a week before A-State's regular semester begins.