On the sixth day of the Texas Tech-Mas, my Red Raiders gave me …
The opening class of the Veterinary Faculty and they have just completed their first semester.
Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine is a big deal. (Paste Will Ferrell Anchorman as a gif.) Turns out it took 50 years to make. Texas A&M is not happy about that. I’ve always said, “If you get some aggies upset, you’re doing something right.” Disclaimer: I’ve only said that now, but for the sake of this story, let’s just pretend it’s right.
We are here for the courage, sacrifice, and courage of those who never gave up, which many believed was an unattainable goal.
Our timeline continues. There is still a lot of history to be created by our students, staff and faculty. Wreck ‘Em! #TTUVetMed pic.twitter.com/dQAXa4F2NU
– Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (@TTUVetMed) September 24, 2021
I’ll give a quick recap of the timeline, but if you’d like to learn more about it, you can visit the school’s website for the history.
In 1971, today’s Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for Tech voted and approved the establishment of a veterinary school along with its medicine program. Unfortunately, this approval did not come with additional funds. The state of Texas recognized the need for better trained veterinarians, especially in rural areas, to care for large animals. Tech conducted a feasibility study. The board of directors officially approved the establishment of the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine in September 2018, again much to the chagrin of Texas A&M.
The building is still being completed, but the first class of students has enrolled for the past fall semester (2021). They should have recently finished their finals alongside those on the main Texas Tech campus in Lubbock. The buildings look absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to go on a trip to Amarillo and see the facilities in the near future. Check out these pictures from her Twitter account.
ASCO Hall, the public space for our state-of-the-art facilities, is nearing completion.
Furniture and amazing art are installed. What a beautiful and amazing place for our school to enjoy and explore. # TTUVetMed pic.twitter.com/gMnrQrw0kT
– Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (@TTUVetMed) September 21, 2021
No, this wall is not designed as a climbing wall.
Made from livestock trailer panels, it boldly pays tribute to the innovators who made us possible and those who help us fulfill our purpose each and every day.
Arms up! #TTUVetMed pic.twitter.com/gVHNPlGv5N
– Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (@TTUVetMed) November 9, 2021
HOLY ART!
More artwork rates are finally here and looking better than ever! ASCO Hall has some new additions to match, while the Happy State Bank Auditorium has a seemingly HUGE herd of cops STRAIGHT way towards you (don’t worry, they really aren’t). # TTUVetMed pic.twitter.com/aoI3fWcQ7N
– Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (@TTUVetMed) October 28, 2021
This isn’t a sporting event or competition like meat grading, but it is an absolutely significant moment for tech and the current and future students enrolling in the Veterinary School. I still think it’s a win against the Aggies. And a win over the Aggies is a huge win for me every time.
The school has its own podcast for those interested. Just click here to check it out. According to Texas Tech, here’s what we know about first grade.
- About 70% of the students came from rural or sparsely populated areas
- About 70% are female
- About a third are first generation college students
- About 25% assign themselves to underrepresented racial or ethnic groups
I am so proud of my alma mater that she took this opportunity. I take pride in the pride Tech takes in its buildings and in its desire to adorn the buildings and grounds with art. No points were scored and no champions were crowned. However, this was a huge win in my opinion. I am proud to use this moment to celebrate the inaugural class of the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine.
This is the sixth of my 12 series of great moments from Texas Tech this year. As you can see, not all important moments come from athletics. These are in no particular order, so it is not to be understood as an order of precedence. I just wanted to treat every moment as my own and give them the respect it deserves. I hope you enjoy this series for the 12 days of Christmas.