Tuskegee announces 2 winners of the PetDesk Equity in Veterinary Medicine Scholarship

Pauline Hunter(right) and Alijah Bradford (left) Image courtesy of TUCVM

Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM) recently announced the recipients of the 2021 PetDesk Equity in Veterinary Medicine Scholarship. The scholarship was established last fall to help expand veterinary medicine opportunities to marginalized groups. The 2021 recipients are Pauline Hunter, a first-year student and Alijah Bradford, a fourth-year student at TUCVM. The duo will each be awarded $20,000 to help defray veterinary education costs.

"We are very grateful to PetDesk for their inspiring and intentional commitment to the veterinary profession through the establishment of the PetDesk Equity in Veterinary Medicine Scholarship,” says Ruby L. Perry, DVM, PhD, DACVR, dean of TUCVM in a university release.

“The spirit of this scholarship aligns with the legacy of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine to embrace and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the veterinary profession. PetDesk’s vision and generosity will not only support students in the professional DVM program on track to becoming career-ready veterinarians but also undergraduate pre-veterinary medical scholars aspiring to become veterinarians,” she adds.

Hunter knew from an early age that she wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Her heart was initially set on becoming a small animal veterinarian, but her interests have since broadened to large animal medicine and beyond.

Bradford currently serves as a secretary of the Tuskegee University Student Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. Over the years, she served as an active member of various clubs and organizations and has especially enjoyed assisting with Tuskegee community events.

“When developing our Equity in Veterinary Medicine Program, we knew we had to start at Tuskegee University. They have been dedicated to equity-focused work for decades and we're honored to be a part of their larger programs, supporting those who need it most,” says Taylor Cavanah, PetDesk CEO, and cofounder.

"This scholarship work is but a taste of the positive changes Tuskegee fosters on a daily basis and PetDesk looks forward to growing our impact together.”