Pre-Vet Program at McNeese Lays a Strong Foundation for Veterinary School

Ashton Landry, McNeese State University alumna, is well on her way to becoming a veterinarian after completing McNeese’s agricultural sciences program. Her path is one that current pre-veterinary students, like junior Madison Watson and sophomore Jade Bel, want to follow. 

From the start of her college career, Landry knew she wanted to attend veterinary school. To begin, she chose to study agricultural sciences at McNeese. The small class sizes and hands-on program made it a great choice for her.  

Landry says that one of the best parts about studying at McNeese is the supportive professors. 

“Each professor was passionate about my success and well-being. Faculty members went out of their way to get to know their students and their interests,” Landry said.  

Current agricultural sciences majors Watson and Bel agree.  

“Each person plays a vital role in the success of the agricultural sciences students and make McNeese feel like home, which is important when you move away to college,” Watson said. 

Bel said, “The agricultural sciences department has the best faculty members. They genuinely care about their students’ futures.” 

Landry graduated from McNeese in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine.  

She explained that it’s easy to find a community while at McNeese, even after graduating. “Our alumni are everywhere, so no matter where your life takes you, there is probably a McNeese graduate nearby.” 

With a McNeese degree in her back pocket, Landry became a veterinary student at Louisiana State University.  

“Entering veterinary school after studying at McNeese made me a well-rounded student during the application, interview and acceptance processes,” she explained. “Now in veterinary school, I can take on the challenging curriculum with my broad agriculture knowledge.” 

Now, Landry is a fourth-year student at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. 

Like Landry, Watson and Bel both have a goal to attend veterinary school after graduating from McNeese. 

In addition to the professors, Watson’s favorite part about McNeese is the opportunities for hands-on experience.  

“During my first semester, I was ultrasounding and palpating cows,” Watson explained. “That’s almost unheard of for first-year students at other universities.” 

The support at McNeese kept Landry on the path to veterinary school that Watson and Bel also want to pursue. “Because of the guidance from professors, I get to have a career that I’m passionate about and love,” Landry said. 

“The connections that I have made with my professors and their willingness to help connect me with people in the industry will help me achieve my goals,” Watson said. “I will cherish not only my connections, but also the invaluable lessons I’ve learned. When you pair the two together, it is a sure-fire recipe for success!” 

“My time at McNeese will provide lots of experience for my major and prepare me for veterinary school,” Bel explained. 

Landry added, “Students should choose McNeese for its quality education that is also affordable. McNeese can be your home away from home. It’s somewhere you can grow!”