The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine (PCVM) at Clemson University marked another historic milestone Saturday as students in its inaugural Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) class received their white coats during the college’s first White Coat Ceremony.
The ceremony formally welcomed the 80 students of the Class of 2030 into the veterinary profession and celebrated the beginning of a journey that will help shape the future of veterinary medicine in South Carolina and beyond.
“This is more than a milestone for our students,” Founding Dean Steven Marks said. “It is a milestone for Clemson University, for the state of South Carolina and for the veterinary profession. We are beginning something that will serve our state for generations to come.”
Marks welcomed Senator Harvey S. Peeler Jr. and Mrs. Peeler, Clemson President Benjamin Ayers, Provost Cole Smith, Trustee Nicky McCarter and Senior Vice President Angie Leidinger to the ceremony. He also recognized Nutramax Laboratories for sponsoring student orientation and the White Coat Ceremony. The white coat serves as a symbol of the students’ transition into the veterinary profession and the responsibility that comes with it.
“It represents your dedication to excellence, your commitment to compassionate care, and your lifelong responsibility to strengthen and protect the human-animal bond,” Marks told the students.
He also reminded the inaugural class that the coats represent the sacrifices and perseverance that brought them to Clemson, as well as the support of family members, friends, mentors and loved ones who helped them reach the moment.
The students’ journey comes at a critical time for South Carolina. Communities across the state continue to face a shortage of veterinarians, with rural areas experiencing particular challenges in accessing large-animal and food-animal veterinary care.
The PCVM was established in part to help address those needs by preparing veterinarians who are ready to serve the state’s communities, especially those rural ones, and large and small animal populations.
The college’s mission extends beyond preparing students to pass examinations and earn a DVM. It is focused on developing day-one-ready veterinarians. These graduates will be equipped with the clinical knowledge, practical skills, communication abilities and professional confidence needed to contribute meaningfully from the moment they enter practice.
“The inaugural class of the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine represents the very best of our land-grant mission. These students embody academic excellence, hands-on learning and a deep commitment to serving the needs of our state,” said Clemson University President Benjamin C. Ayers. “They are beginning a journey that will prepare them to make a difference from day one, and we are proud to see them take this important step toward serving the people, communities and animals of South Carolina and beyond.”
That preparation will include extensive hands-on experiences throughout the students’ four years at Clemson, with particular opportunities to understand the unique needs of South Carolina’s rural and agricultural communities.
During their fourth year, students will complete clinical rotations that will take them beyond the Clemson campus and throughout the state. They will learn alongside practicing veterinarians in communities across South Carolina, gaining firsthand experience with different practice settings, animal species and the needs of the clients and communities those veterinarians serve.
For students interested in large-animal and rural practice, those experiences will provide an important connection between their education and the state’s need for veterinarians who can care for cattle, horses, small ruminants and other animals that are vital to South Carolina’s agricultural economy.
The experience also reflects a fundamental philosophy of the college: veterinary education is strongest when students learn not only in the classroom and teaching facilities, but also from the veterinarians who are actively serving their communities.
Dean Marks reminded this inaugural class that, the White Coat Ceremony represents both an accomplishment and a responsibility. As the first students to walk through the doors of the state’s first CVM, they will help establish traditions, shape the culture of the college and become part of a legacy that will continue long after they graduate.
“You are the first,” Marks told the students. “You are pioneers, and that distinction brings both tremendous opportunity and great responsibility.”
As the students put on their professional white coats, they joined a profession built on science, service, compassion and a commitment to the human-animal bond, while beginning a journey uniquely connected to the needs of South Carolina
“To our inaugural class: Welcome to the Clemson College of Veterinary Medicine family,” Marks said. “We are proud to have you as the first members of a tradition that will shape the future of veterinary medicine for generations to come.”
And with that, Clemson’s newest Tigers officially began their journey- making history together.
Following the ceremony, students and guests attended a reception and then enjoyed PCVM campus tours in the afternoon. Full photo album capturing the day is posted here.
View the livestream of the White Coat Ceremony here.
White Coat Ceremony Highlight reel is here.
Thanks to Nutramax Laboratories for sponsoring the inaugural White Coat Ceremony.
Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.
Veterinarian’s Oath
I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.
I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.
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