Making Connections

Clemson Vet Med was well-represented at the American Veterinary Medical Association conference in Austin this year. Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Nicki Wise, Associate Dean of Clinical Programs, Brian Butler and Founding Dean Steven Marks all attended the prestigious event last month.

“The 2024 AVMA Conference was excellent as usual,” said Butler. “Reconnecting with colleagues across the country is always fun. Attending on behalf of the Clemson CVM was particularly exciting because there were many people interested to hear updates about the future of veterinary education in South Carolina. I spoke with many practice owners and associates that are excited to learn more about hosting senior DVM students for clerkship rotations. Continued conversations are important to outline the goals of distributive clinical training and create excellent opportunities for students and communities alike.”

This is a major event for those in the veterinary profession around the nation. Attendees had opportunities for continuing education seminars, connecting with colleagues, sharing ideas about staff recruitment strategies, and learning more about the latest advances in veterinary education technology.

“It’s amazing to be at a conference with so many veterinarians and network with other professionals in the field,” said Wise. “It’s inspiring and energizing. It’s particularly uplifting to meet the new veterinarians just starting their careers and sharing in their fresh outlook of this dynamic field.”

For Wise and Butler, this was an especially exciting conference. Among the many tasks they are responsible for as Clemson’s CVM continues to grow, is exploring the latest teaching technologies. The CVM campus will comprise six teaching buildings filled with state-of-the-art technology. Wise and Buter spent part of the conference meeting with vendors for a range of medical equipment and simulation models that will be essential in educating students.

“We are doing something special here at Clemson’s CVM,” said Marks. “The enthusiasm and curiosity that people express to me is uplifting and motivating. It’s no small task building a college from the ground up. I am proud of what our team has accomplished and happy to share updates with fans and stakeholders in South Carolina and beyond.”

Pending accreditation, the CVM plans to welcome its first cohort of students in Fall of 2026.

Pictured below Top L-R: Dean Steven Marks with President of the AAVMC and Dean of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Rustin Moore and Nicki Wise.

Bottom L-R: Nicki Wise learning about a piece of veterinary education equipment and Brian Butler.