Texas Tech Veterinary School Graduates First Class Serving Rural Texas, New Mexico

Texas Tech University’s School of Veterinary Medicine celebrated the historic graduation of its inaugural class, awarding 61 students Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees, marking the first new veterinary school in Texas in over a century. Governor Greg Abbott, who signed legislation in 2017 to fund the school’s creation, praised the graduates for their perseverance and emphasized the importance of their future roles supporting veterinary needs in rural and underserved communities across Texas and New Mexico. The program was designed to address critical shortages in veterinary care, particularly in rural areas, with about 95% of graduates accepting positions in these regions and nearly half practicing west of the I-35 corridor. Texas Tech’s innovative clinical program replaces traditional teaching models with rotations through over 125 private and public practices, resulting in nearly 70% of students being hired by clinics where they trained. The school’s establishment reflects a broader statewide mission to boost workforce development and economic opportunities in rural Texas, supported by collaborative efforts among university leaders, legislators, and local communities. Speakers at the graduation included prominent Texas Tech and state officials who highlighted the school’s impact and the graduates’ potential to contribute significantly to veterinary care in the region.