Rebecca DeGennaro, LVT, joins the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine as a Veterinary Technical Educator. She says this is an opportunity to combine two of her greatest passions: veterinary medicine and education. DeGennaro is helping lay the foundation for South Carolina’s first College of Veterinary Medicine while preparing future veterinarians for successful careers in the profession.
“I just want to provide the knowledge I have to help better our students and our curriculum,” said DeGennaro. “If I can help students feel prepared and confident as they enter the profession, then I know I’ve made a meaningful impact.”
A licensed veterinary technician since, DeGennaro earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from Tri-County Technical College. Her passion for teaching led her back to her alma mater, where she spent the past three years instructing students in the college’s AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program. During her time at TCTC, she taught courses in clinical skills, radiology, parasitology and clinical pathology, helping students develop the knowledge and confidence needed to enter the veterinary field.
“My family and I have been lifelong Clemson fans, and several members of my family attended and graduated from Clemson,” DeGennaro said. “When I heard Clemson was opening a veterinary school, I was immediately excited about how it would change and evolve our field. I wanted to be part of shaping the future veterinarians who will join the profession and share the knowledge I’ve gained to help them succeed.”
DeGennaro supports faculty with curriculum development for clinical skills courses and foundational laboratories. She brings particular expertise in clinical pathology and veterinary dentistry and is known for her hands-on, supportive approach to teaching.
As the college welcomes its inaugural class, DeGennaro is most excited about the opportunity to work directly with students throughout their veterinary education journey.
“I’m looking forward to working with our students and seeing them grow in their skills and confidence over the next four years,” she said.
DeGennaro hopes her experience will help create a learning environment that empowers students to become capable, compassionate veterinarians.
“I want our students to feel confident in their knowledge and abilities when they receive their diploma,” she said. “I want them to know they can provide the best care possible to their patients and their owners.”
In her spare time, DeGennaro enjoys spending time with her husband and their 2-year-old daughter. Their household includes four pets: two dogs, Clementine and Luffy; a cat named Pudge; and a tortoise named Rusty. DeGennaro can often be found road cycling, gardening, leatherworking or playing video games. She is also committed to giving back to her community through an annual 252-mile charity bike ride that raises funds for the Alzheimer’s Association.
