‘Critter Fixers’ Celebrate Tuskegee University’s 2025 Veterinary Graduates

May 14

A new class of 65 doctors of veterinary medicine walked across the stage at Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM), cheered on by alumni and television stars Dr. Terrence Ferguson and Dr. Vernard Hodges of Critter Fixers: Country Vets. The ceremony marked the university’s 76th veterinary graduating class, further cementing Tuskegee’s role as a leading producer of Black veterinarians.

Drs. Ferguson (Class of ’98) and Hodges (Class of ’97) delivered a heartfelt and empowering keynote, reminding graduates of their worth and the significance of earning their degree from such a storied institution.

“You are not just a doctor, but a Tuskegee-made doctor of veterinary medicine,” they said. “This degree is not just any degree—it’s a Tuskegee degree, and that means something big.”

A Historic Milestone

With this class, Tuskegee has awarded over 3,100 veterinary degrees since its founding as the first veterinary professional program at an HBCU. During the hooding and oath ceremony, Dean Ruby L. Perry welcomed the graduates into the profession, highlighting their role in a legacy of excellence and service.

The Veterinary Oath was administered by Dr. Barbara Authement, President of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA), with a warm welcome from Dr. Dana Fuller, President of the Tuskegee Veterinary Alumni Association (TVMAA).

Honoring Legacy and Leadership

The ceremony also included the presentation of the TUCVM Distinguished Alumni Awards to several accomplished graduates:

Dr. Terrence Ferguson ’98 and Dr. Vernard Hodges ’97 – for their contributions as veterinarians, entrepreneurs, and role models.
Dr. Linda Jacobson ’71 – trailblazer in veterinary leadership across New York and past president of the TVMAA.
Dr. Bernardino Ortiz ’64 – recognized for major disease eradication efforts in Puerto Rico and his historic diagnostic work.
Dr. Vera Ann Burrell ’64 – Puerto Rico’s first licensed woman veterinarian and co-founder of the third AAHA-accredited hospital on the island.

In a surprise moment, Dean Perry was honored by Dr. Mark A. Brown for her 11 years of leadership with a limited edition Tuskegee alumni print.

Looking to the Future

Drs. Ferguson and Hodges encouraged graduates to use their degrees to uplift communities and open doors for future veterinarians. The duo, who also run Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital in Georgia, give back through programs like “Vet for a Day” and various nonprofit initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation.