April 28, 2021
Contact:
Anissa Riley, Director of Foreign Affairs, TU College of Veterinary Medicine
Kevin O’Leary, Senior Director Marketing at PetDesk
Hunter and Bradford
TUSKEGEE, Ala. – Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM) is pleased to announce the recipients of the PetDesk Equity in Veterinary Medicine Scholarship. First year student Pauline Hunter and fourth year student Alijah Bradford will each receive a $ 20,000 scholarship to pay for their veterinary education.
Ms. Hunter is a member of the Class of 2024 at TUCVM. From a young age she was naturally drawn to animals and decided to become a veterinarian. Ms. Hunter received her bachelor’s degree from Talladega College. Before joining the veterinary program, she was certain she wanted to become a small animal veterinarian. However, her interests expand beyond small animal medicine to include large animal medicine and everything in between. As a valued part of the process of being in veterinary school, she enjoys being in touch with all that the veterinary field has to offer.
Ms. Bradford is a member of the Class of 2021 for TUCVM. She completed her undergraduate studies at Tuskegee University and received a bachelor’s degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences in 2016. As a veterinary student, she has had the opportunity to join many clubs and organizations. Ms. Bradford is currently the secretary of the student chapter of the Student Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society at Tuskegee University. She has enjoyed serving the Tuskegee community over the years as a veterinary student who helped organize the Small Animal Health Fair and the TUCVM Summer Enrichment and Reinforcement Program (SERP). Upon graduation, Ms. Bradford plans to move to Las Vegas, Nevada and begin her career in general medicine at a private veterinary clinic.
“We are deeply grateful to PetDesk for their inspirational and deliberate commitment to the veterinary profession through the establishment of the PetDesk Equity in Veterinary Medicine Scholarship. The spirit of this scholarship is aligned with the legacy of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine to embrace and advance diversity, Justice and Inclusion in the Veterinary Profession. PetDesk’s vision and generosity will support not only DVM professional program students on their way to career-ready veterinarians, but also pre-veterinary scientists who wish to become veterinarians, “said Dr. Ruby L. Perry, Dean from Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Awakened by the brutal murder of George Floyd in the summer of 2020, the PetDesk team decided to focus on providing better opportunities for marginalized groups, especially people of color, for careers in veterinary medicine. With the launch of their PetDesk Equity in Veterinary Medicine program in the fall of 2020, they hope that $ 10 million in scholarships and grants will be awarded to underrepresented minorities in veterinary medicine in 2030.
Taylor Cavanah, CEO and Co-Founder of PetDesk, led this scholarship program and believes the veterinary industry needs to be realigned. “When we developed our Veterinary Equity program, we knew we had to start at Tuskegee University. They have been dedicated to justice-centered work for decades, and we are honored to be part of their larger programs and to support those who need them most. “Mr. Cavanah added,” This fellowship work is just a taste of the positive change that Tuskegee is promoting on a daily basis, and PetDesk looks forward to working together to increase our impact. “
PetDesk is a company full of animal lovers who are passionate about promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the veterinary industry. This scholarship recognizes students who join that passion with a personal investment in equality, justice, and social justice. It also includes an emphasis on fairer outcomes by removing financial barriers for students pursuing veterinary education.
Via Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine
Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM) is located in Alabama as one of two federally recognized veterinary programs and was founded in 1944 by Dr. Frederick D. Patterson, founder of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), envisioned and officially founded Tuskegee in 1945. TUCVM is the only veterinary faculty program on the campus of a historically black college or university (HBCU) in the United States . The college has trained more than 70 percent of the country’s African American veterinarians and has been recognized as the most diverse of all veterinary schools / colleges in the country. The primary mission of the college is to create an environment that fosters a spirit of active, independent and self-directed learning, intellectual curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, ethics and leadership. and promotes teaching, research and service in veterinary medicine and related disciplines. Further information is available at www.tuskegee.edu/vetmed.
Via PetDesk
PetDesk, an industry leader in communications software for veterinary customers, has helped over 2,500 veterinary practices streamline business with simple software solutions that enable pet parents to stay informed and zookeepers to stay connected with their pet’s health. PetDesk has reached more than 2.5 million users by offering powerful features like a 5-star pet health mobile app and industry leading customer support. The nearly 200,000 reviews in the App / Google Store are proof of PetDesk’s commitment to connecting pet owners with pet care providers. Founded in 2013, PetDesk secured a $ 12 million Series B investment from Silicon Valley’s PeakSpan Capital in December 2018. PetDesk is headquartered in San Diego, employs more than 90 people, and proudly supports a balanced and animal-friendly workforce. For more information on PetDesk, please visit www.petdesk.com.
© 2021 Tuskegee University
