When Leona Ransdell joined the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine (PCVM), it wasn’t just a career move, it was personal.
A Clemson alumna who once dreamed of attending veterinary school herself, Ransdell now plays a key role in helping the next generation of veterinarians achieve that very goal as the college’s Admissions and Student Finance Coordinator.
“As a Clemson graduate that had dreams of attending veterinary school that were not fulfilled due to the lack of an in-state option, being part of the CVM is an opportunity to help students reach their dreams,” she said.
Ransdell earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Clemson in 2012 and began her career in Extension as a 4-H agent serving Lexington and Richland counties. She later moved to Virginia, where she served as the 4-H Equine Program Director with Virginia Cooperative Extension. During that time, she completed her Master of Science in Agriculture, Leadership and Community Education, focusing on agent retention.
After returning to South Carolina in 2021, Ransdell continued her commitment to education as a STEM teacher in Lexington School District One and later as the South Carolina 4-H Horse Program Coordinator. In that role, she led multiple educational teams to National Top five finishes, demonstrating her ability to guide students toward excellence.
Her path to Clemson’s CVM was shaped not only by her professional experiences, but also by relationships.
“In my former role, I got to know the staff and faculty, and their dedication to making this school happen was evident day in and day out,” she said. “It was inspiring to see the support, teamwork, positivity and leadership from the top down. It was a no-brainer for me to make the move.”
Now in her role, Ransdell is focused on opening doors for students and demystifying the process of walking through them.
“I’m looking forward to welcoming our students to campus and providing prospective students from across the state and country with an inside view on the veterinary school admissions process,” she said. “There is a need for veterinarians, and I’m thrilled to be a small part of their journey.”
That sense of purpose is deeply rooted in her own story. While her career ultimately took a different direction, her passion for veterinary medicine never faded, it simply evolved into a mission of advocacy and mentorship.
“For me, veterinary school was always the dream, but the lack of an in-state option resulted in a change in paths,” she said. “That doesn’t mean I’m not where I’m meant to be. I’ve found meaning in showing students that veterinary school is an option and that the application process isn’t a secret code they need to break.”
Through one-on-one conversations with applicants, particularly during the post-review process, Ransdell helps students identify ways to strengthen their applications and build confidence in their potential.
“Our students mean so much to me,” she said. “They are each a little part of me that didn’t get to do this. I hope they know they are taking a piece of me with them through their years and, in a way, making my dreams come true.”
Outside of work, Ransdell brings the same enthusiasm and passion to her personal life. A self-described “horse girl through and through,” she enjoys all things equine, from biomechanics to riding. She and her husband, Aaron, fellow Clemson enthusiasts, stay busy with their two children, Mason and Emery, and enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, and cheering on the Tigers. In quieter moments, she can often be found reading or crocheting.
