Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University

Happy National Zoo and Aquarium Month!

At the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine, we're proud to partner with the Greenville Zoo to provide future veterinarians with hands-on experience in conservation education, wildlife care and specialty zoo medicine clinical rotations.

Through this partnership, our students gain valuable insight into the unique challenges and rewards of caring for diverse animal species while supporting conservation efforts that help protect wildlife for future generations.

Together, we're preparing the next generation of veterinary leaders to make an impact both locally and around the world.

Equine experts from the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine (PCVM), in partnership with South Carolina 4-H Livestock and Equine Programs, participated in a multi-day clinic for horse enthusiasts of all ages called Summer SaddleUp.

Summer SaddleUp featured a variety of clinics for both youth and adults designed to strengthen riding techniques and horsemanship. Leona Ransdell, Admissions and Financial Aid Coordinator, taught the proper way to braid a horse's mane and tail. She also led a Showmanship Clinic and a Vet Med presentation. Ashley Brady, Ambulatory Services Coordinator, showed participants how to do a physical exam on a horse!

Summer Saddle Up (SSU) was founded by Robert Obermiller in 2021 to carry forward a youth riding tradition that was lost during COVID. SSU promotes accomplishment through horsemanship and seeks to inspire the next generation of equestrians by educating riders of all skill levels. Now led by a team of experienced horse professionals, SSU creates a safe, friendly, and educational environment through its annual three-day training camp at the T. Ed Garrison Arena each summer.

: Mike and Alicia Mansuetti believe the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine (PCVM) will attract and retain top veterinary talent in the state of South Carolina. For the Mansuetti’s, supporting the PCVM is about people, purpose and the powerful bond between humans and animals. They hope future generations know that they cared about them and that they were their friends, supporters and champions.

Their passion for the human-animal connection and belief in the need for more veterinarians in South Carolina inspired their support with an endowed scholarship. Students will experience a place where education, innovation and family come together.

Please reach out to the Director of Development and Unit Lead, Leigh Randall, at [email protected] if you are interested in supporting the college.

: Sidney Angner joins the team as the Anatomy Laboratory Technician for the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine (PCVM). Angner brings together her passions for science and hands-on learning to support student success in the anatomy lab.

Angner’s path to the role was somewhat unexpected. Already employed by Clemson before joining the PCVM, she discovered the anatomy lab technician position while searching for an opportunity that more closely aligned with her interests.

“I was actually already a Clemson employee prior to joining the PCVM; I came across the anatomy lab technician job posting by chance while searching for a new role that more closely aligned with my personal and professional interests,” said Angner. “The potential opportunity to merge my love of science with my love for animals was one that I simply couldn’t afford to miss.”

Originally from South Carolina’s Lowcountry region, Angner grew up surrounded by animals, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs and a horse. Her lifelong interest in biology and conservation led her to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental and Conservation Biology from Furman University in 2022. Following graduation, she returned to the Lowcountry to work in a private molecular diagnostics center before joining the Clemson University Institute for Human Genetics in fall 2023, where she developed technical expertise that she now applies in the anatomy laboratory.

Now in her role with the PCVM, Angner is enthusiastic about the opportunities for learning and discovery that come with working alongside veterinary students and faculty.

“A better question would be: What aren’t I looking forward to in this role?” Angner said. “The chance to study and learn from various animal specimens in such an in-depth manner is perhaps the most exciting to me; I have always found biological specimens fascinating, and now I have the chance to prepare my own that will enhance the educational experiences of future students here at the PCVM.”

Last week, CVM hosted another Faculty and Staff Orientation! We had the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the college, including participating in a group discussion about our StrengthsFinder results and how our unique strengths contribute to our teams and mission.

We also spent time with Matt Hersom, Ph.D., Director of the Piedmont Research and Education Center, who gave us an inside look at the center's operations and impact. During our visit, we met several of the farm managers, learned about ongoing farm and livestock operations, observed various farm processes firsthand, and even got a glimpse of the exciting construction of our new campus.

Beyond learning about the University, the orientation provided a great opportunity to build relationships, share experiences, and strengthen connections with fellow faculty and staff. It was an engaging and informative week, and we're grateful to everyone who helped make it such a valuable experience!

Today is World Pet Memorial Day, a time to honor and remember the beloved pets who have touched our lives and left lasting paw prints on our hearts. Their impact stays with us long after they are gone.

The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine has created a special giving page where you can honor the memory of a cherished pet while supporting the future of veterinary medicine in our state.

Learn more via the link in the comments below or on our website.

: The Ambulatory LVT supports the operations of the Clemson PCVM Ambulatory Services. This position ensures the smooth functioning of day-to-day operations, performs licensed veterinary technician duties and provides operational support to the team of veterinary professionals in the Ambulatory Services area.

The job is in our LinkTree in bio.

Apply today!

Several members of the PCVM team recently traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, for the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges' inaugural "VetEd Conference," a gathering dedicated to veterinary education.

"This conference, themed around the idea that 'It Takes a Village' to produce Day One-ready veterinarians, explored innovative new teaching practices, the science of learning, and ideas from successful initiatives from veterinary colleges around the world," said Dr. Sarah Swofford, Director of Teaching and Learning.

Joining Dr. Swofford were: Dr. Jo Smith (Faculty, Professional Development Lead), Dr. Mercedes Velazquez (Director of Outcomes and Assessment) and Dr. Hector Zerpa (Faculty, Director of Faculty Success)

"We attended sessions on everything from preparing a rural veterinary workforce to experimenting with teaching methods like lecture-free learning and gamification," said Swofford. "We networked with colleagues from other colleges of veterinary medicine and enjoyed some truly excellent cheese curds before heading back to South Carolina, brimming full of new ideas for our incoming students!"
Go Tigers!