For Dr. Cortney Curtis, joining the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine feels like both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming.
A proud Clemson graduate and Upstate South Carolina native, Curtis began her career as a U.S. Army Veterinary Corps Officer, serving in leadership roles at Fort Gregg-Adams, Fort Bragg and Fort Carson. During her military service, she trained more than 100 canine handlers, first responders and veterinary personnel in canine combat casualty care and supported Operation Allies Welcome, a major Afghan humanitarian mission.
After her time in the Army, Curtis joined the faculty at Lincoln Memorial University–College of Veterinary Medicine, where she taught clinical skills, leadership and One Health courses centered on teamwork, integrity and resilience. Her research focuses on working dog medicine, handler preparedness and active learning in veterinary education. She also leads her own company, The Dog Doctor, providing K9 medical training and relief services across the Southeast.
Returning to Clemson, however, was always part of the plan.
“As a Clemson graduate who grew up in the Upstate, I always knew I wanted to give back to the community that raised me,” Curtis said. “On my first date with my wife, she asked about my 10-year goals. I told her I’d play Army as long as my joints would allow, then move back to South Carolina to help start the state’s first veterinary school at Clemson. That 10-year plan was accelerated quickly, and I’m incredibly honored to be a member of the founding faculty here.”
She says being part of Clemson’s inaugural veterinary college holds special meaning.
“There’s something special in these hills, and there truly is no better group of people than the Clemson Family,” she said.
As a clinical assistant professor in small animal general practice, Curtis is especially excited to work directly with students and help shape their experience from day one.
“While I am excited to contribute across multiple areas of the curriculum, particularly in professional development and clinical skills, the students are truly the reason I love what I do,” she said. “There is something incredibly meaningful about welcoming our first class and having the opportunity to help guide their development, not just as future veterinarians, but as leaders, teammates and professionals.”
She hopes to support students as they build confidence, refine their skills and work toward the goals that brought them to Clemson.
“Being part of that journey and helping students reach their dreams is what motivates me most in this role,” she said.
Looking ahead, Curtis sees her greatest impact in mentorship, culture-building and strengthening the College’s connection to South Carolina and the veterinary profession.
“As the College continues to grow and evolve, I envision my impact being rooted in intentional culture building, mentorship and ensuring our students have the best possible educational and professional experience,” she said. “Through outreach, service and professional partnerships, I want to help position the University as a trusted leader in veterinary education that reflects Clemson’s land-grant mission and produces graduates ready to serve from day one.”
Outside of work, Curtis and her wife, Saylor, spend as much time near the water as possible, usually with their dog, Roo, who may love swimming even more than they do.
The couple also shares a love of rugby, though Curtis jokes that these days she mostly cheers from the sidelines after her joints decided “early retirement was the right move.” They also enjoy live music and never pass up a chance to hit the dance floor.
