The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is on the brink of making history as it prepares to establish the second historically Black college and university (HBCU) veterinary school in the United States. Following Maryland state approval in January, UMES is set to join Tuskegee University in offering a program in veterinary medicine, a move that could significantly bolster representation in the field.
According to a report by USA Today, UMES will become one of only about three dozen schools nationwide to grant a degree in veterinary medicine. This milestone is expected to provide aspiring Black veterinarians with increased opportunities in a profession where they are currently underrepresented. Moses Kairo, the dean of agricultural and natural sciences at UMES, expressed optimism about the school's potential impact. "We are hoping that our new school will open the door and create plenty of opportunities in an underserved field," said Kairo. "There are very few vet schools being established, so there’s room for growth. We feel our timing is just right."
Only 1.2% of nation's veterinarians are black
Data from a 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics report indicates that Black veterinarians comprise only 1.2% of all professionals in the United States, highlighting the urgent need for increased diversity within the field. Additionally, a study conducted by Mars Veterinary Health in August 2023 suggests that the demand for veterinarians is expected to rise significantly, with approximately 55,000 more professionals needed by 2030 to meet the pet healthcare needs in the U.S.
To facilitate the establishment of the veterinary school, UMES officials have embarked on a ambitious fundraising campaign aimed at raising $60 million. This initiative represents the largest financial endeavor in the university's history and will fund the construction of the veterinary studies building, as well as updates to the campus farm to provide students with hands-on training opportunities.
Meanwhile, FAMU offers an intensive four-year degree program in Veterinary Technology, distinguishing itself as one of four HBCUs to provide such training. The program equips students with the skills to offer medical and non-medical support to veterinarians, with the option for graduates to either enter the workforce directly or pursue further education to earn a full doctor of veterinary medicine degree elsewhere.