Alexis High is one step closer to her dream of becoming a vet.
High will be the first to graduate from UNCP’s Veterinary Education Access Scholars Program, a pathway initiative launched four years ago that guarantees admission to NC State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine program for a select number of biology students. She is well on her way to finishing her biology degree in May and starting the veterinary program this summer.
“It was a great honor to be selected,” said High. “Of course I wanted to prove that they didn’t make a mistake in their selection. Even though I was guaranteed a seat, I was still nervous until I got my acceptance email. Participating in the Veterinary Education Access Scholars Program made the application process less stressful. I am so excited and so grateful for this opportunity. ”
The early admission program serves as a pipeline to prepare students for careers in one of the best veterinary schools in the country. Qualified students are brought together with academic advisors from both institutions. You must meet the academic requirements for a Bachelor of Science from UNCP and meet all academic requirements for admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine.
“I had a really good experience at UNCP,” said High. “I was involved in HCAP and my advisor, Natalya Locklear, helped me guide me through the classes I had to prepare for before vet school. I like the small class sizes and the professors in the biology and chemistry departments want the students to succeed. Getting to know my professors was a big deal for me. ”
High, who grew up on a large animal farm in Laurel Hill, gained hands-on experience at veterinary clinics in Laurinburg, Florida and the mobile unit at Pineview Veterinary Hospital in Bolton.
Sonya Goveo will be joining High at NC State this summer. Despite not participating in the early admission program, Goveo said her UNCP experience fully prepared her for success.
After graduating from Biology in 2018, Goveo worked at Southeastern Veterinary Hospital before joining the staff at Raleigh Community Veterinary Hospital. A career in veterinary medicine has been a lifelong goal for Goveo, whose passion for caring for animals began at a young age while traveling to family visits in Puerto Rico.
“There was an obvious difference in the treatment of local pets and the stray population in Puerto Rico,” Goveo said. “The lack of preventive medicine and basic overall care for the animals was incredible. I strive to teach my community and fulfill my passion. ”
Goveo, a former member of the UNCP swim team, credits her academic advisor John Roe, former UNCP employee Ian Stroud, and the Center for Student Success staff for their smooth transition to the NC state.
“That was always my dream growing up,” she said. “I’ve put the work in, but I attribute much of my success to the UNCP as a whole. I had a strong support system at UNCP with my professors and staff. You made me realize my dream. ”
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