A Message from the Dean

by Mark Stetter
October 29, 2024

Message from Dean Mark Stetter

At commencement this spring I shared the story of one of our graduates, Adrian Santoyo, a first-generation college student from a farm working family in the Central Valley. With the support of his parents and through his own perseverance, he achieved his dream and is now back home practicing as Dr. Adrian Santoyo.

UC Davis is often referenced as one of the top veterinary programs in the world. To obtain and maintain that recognition, we must continue to lead with progressive, innovative, and impactful initiatives. We must constantly consider the biggest obstacles to excellence in animal health care while responding to societal needs.

A lack of diversity in all its forms negatively impacts veterinary medicine and our society. The school has looked critically at this problem to explore solutions and our role in improving the situation. Whether it be increased opportunities for underrepresented undergraduates (see the cover feature on page 8), new K-12 outreach programs for kids, changes to our admissions process or partnering with national organizations, we are making a difference.

In short, we’re helping to make a lot more dreams like Dr. Santoyo’s come true.

This year, a record high 58% of our new DVM class are first-generation college students, with a 29% increase in Underrepresented in Medicine (UIM) students (Hispanic/Latino, African American, and American Indian/Alaska Native).

There’s more about the incoming Class of 2028 that I think you’ll enjoy reading here. People like you are helping to make those dreams come true.

Our 75th anniversary was an incredible celebration, capped by our spring gala. It was a chance to review our history and honor the individuals who have helped make veterinary medicine what it is today, and to look to the future.

Because of you, as part of our 75th anniversary, we also raised $850,000 in scholarship funds. Our total scholarship endowments have now reached $120 million. Those funds, combined with keeping tuition increases low and our return-to-aid program, means we are able to keep a veterinary degree affordable for our students no matter their financial background.

As we look forward, our top priority is continuing to increase our service to California—with new treatments and scientific breakthroughs, expanded programs, and yes, serving more ambitious students no matter their means or family backgrounds. Thanks for being a part of this journey into our next 75 years.