Mercedes Helena Velazquez de Zerpa is among the newest staff members at the Harvey S Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine (PCVM). She is the Director of Outcomes and Assessment. Velazquez is a veterinarian and educator with experience in veterinary medicine and higher education. She graduated as a Médico Veterinario in Venezuela and has dedicated some of her career to teaching in the Pre-Veterinary and Foundations programs at St. George’s University, while also coordinating outcomes assessment and serving as Assistant Dean of Students. She comes to the PCVM excited about being a part of something new.
“I was attracted to the PCVM because of the exciting opportunity to be part of a new veterinary school,” said Velazquez. “The chance to help build from the ground up, shaping the culture, curriculum and assessment methods truly motivated me. Clemson’s reputation as a land-grant university that emphasizes service, collaboration and excellence also resonated strongly with me, both professionally and personally.”
Velazquez places students at the center of her work, supporting their growth and success as her main professional purpose. She recently completed her master’s degree in education and is committed to advancing veterinary training with a focus on wellness, assessment and professional development.
“My goal is to create a clear and efficient framework for outcomes and assessment that supports both faculty and students. I aim to foster a culture where assessment is viewed as a tool for growth, guiding curriculum decisions, promoting wellness and preparing our graduates for a successful career in the veterinary profession.”
With a strong commitment to advancing both academic excellence and student success, Velazquez joins the PCVM ready to champion meaningful approaches to her role. Her vision centers on building processes that not only ensure quality and accountability but also provide faculty, staff and students with tools that foster growth.
“I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff and students to develop meaningful assessment systems that not only meet accreditation standards but also genuinely support student learning and success. I am particularly eager to create processes that offer valuable feedback for ongoing improvement across our programs.”
Velazquez is originally from Venezuela and has lived in the UK, Grenada and now the U.S. She has a multicultural perspective that she cherishes both personally and professionally.
“My husband, Hector, is also a veterinary medicine professor, and we have two wonderful children. We traveled with our almost 17-year-old beloved dog named Toffee, who brought joy and happiness to our lives. In my free time, I enjoy walking, cooking, and working on crafts, which allows me to explore my creativity and relax. I also love sharing my culture’s tradition of warm hospitality, where hugs are always available to those who welcome them.”
