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AAVMC Board Renames DEI Committee
During the recent AAVMC Catalyze meeting, the AAVMC Board of Directors approved the renaming of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. The body is now called the Committee on Thriving Academic Communities. This change reflects a renewed focus on fostering vibrant, supportive, and welcoming environments where all members of the academic veterinary community can flourish.
Developed through thoughtful dialogue and broad community input, the new name and updated charge emphasize advancing programs, research, and collaborations that strengthen community well-being and promote full participation across the profession.
| With this change, the organization’s long-standing DiVersity Matters initiative also will be updated to the Thrive Initiative. While the committee’s structure remains unchanged, its refreshed identity underscores AAVMC’s continued commitment to cultivating inclusive, dynamic learning and working environments at local, national, and global levels. | |
“The updated language allows us to push forward in the ways we think about not just representation and institutional climate, but really how we work to create environments where everyone can thrive and be successful."
-Lisa Greenhill, EdD, MPA, AAVMC Chief Organizational Health Officer
| | Registration Closes Soon for VetEd AAVMC | | If you haven’t already, make plans now to join us for VetEd AAVMC, June 3‒5 at the University of Wisconsin‒Madison. Registration closes May 26. | | |
BONUS
Seeking CE credits? RACE-approved sessions are included in VetEd AAVMC programming. See the schedule for more details.
| | Podcast Episode Examines Federal Student Loan “Hot Mess” | |
AAVMC's latest On Air episode features Greenhill and Sarah Sattelmeyer, MPP, who describes the last few years of navigating federal student loans as a "Hot Mess."
Greenhill and Sattelmeyer chat through the new federal loan limits, who's impacted, what it means for repayment, and more.
Catch up on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Soundcloud.
| | SOC Guide Explores Evidence of Curricular Change | | |
How do you know whether your Spectrum of Care (SOC) curricular changes are actually making an impact?
The SOC Implementation Strategies Guide highlights several Resources for Gathering Evidence of Curricular Change Implementation and Outcomes to help programs evaluate both the process and results of SOC curricular change.
The resources in this document can help educators:
- Gather meaningful evidence throughout the change implementation process.
- Determine whether curricular changes were implemented as intended.
- Assess whether changes enhanced students’ SOC preparation.
Grounded in program evaluation principles, these resources can help your program better understand what worked and what didn’t to inform next steps for SOC curricular change.
| | Admissions and Recruitment | | Registration Now Open for AAVMC Virtual Fair | | The AAVMC Veterinary Medical School Virtual Fair returns on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 12—5 pm ET. | |
For AAVMC Member Institutions
Promote your veterinary medical program and engage directly with prospective students exploring careers in veterinary medicine.
Reserve a virtual booth: Institution Registration
For Prospective Veterinary Students
Connect with VMCAS representatives, admissions officers, and current veterinary students from Colleges and Schools of Veterinary Medicine — all in one virtual event.
Learn more about:
- Veterinary school prerequisites.
- Required experiences.
- The VMCAS application process.
- Individual veterinary programs.
Register to attend: Student Registration
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| Systemic Wellbeing Cohort Advances Institutional Wellbeing Efforts | | Congratulations to our Spring 2026 Introduction to Systemic Wellbeing cohort! | | Teams from the following AAVMC member institutions completed the 16-week course designed to provide leaders with the tools and knowledge to build a sustainable, systemic wellbeing program at their college. | | | Massey University,
School of Veterinary Science | University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine | University of Wisconsin–Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine | | Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine | University of Bristol, Bristol Veterinary School | Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine | | Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine | University of Saskatchewan, Western College of Veterinary Medicine |
| | | Save the Date: Primary Care Veterinary Educators Symposium, October 19–22 | |
Save the date for PCVE 2026! Registration will open midsummer.
| | Welcome New Member: Arkansas State University | | |
Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine is now an AAVMC Institutional Member.
Their commitment to advancing veterinary education strengthens the AAVMC community and fosters new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and impact.
We look forward to working together to continue to shape the future of the profession.
| | Dean: Heidi Banse, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM (LA) | | |
Heather Fedesco, PhD, AAVMC’s Director for Academic Affairs, has been recognized in Bryant University’s 40 Under 40 Awards! This honor highlights alumni making a meaningful impact in their careers and communities.
This recognition reflects Fedesco’s leadership, innovation, and service throughout her career. Her work continues to shape programs, support our member institutions, and strengthen outcomes for students and faculty alike.
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The AAVMC strives to create a culture of diversity and inclusion in every dimension of academic veterinary medicine. To foster this goal, the photographs and illustrations which are used in our communications programs are aspirational, and do not necessarily reflect the levels of diversity and inclusion that currently exist.
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