Spotlight on Anecia Hawkins: Blending Theatre, Dance, and Vet Med
Most veterinary students don't list "actress" as their backup career. But Anecia Hawkins (Whitehead) has never been most veterinary students.
The fourth-year at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine holds a dual degree in Biology and Theatre, with a minor in Dance, a combination that might seem unlikely until you understand how she sees her work.
"As an actress, this skill has helped me immensely with networking and client communication," Hawkins explains. "Veterinary medicine is all about improvisation. Acting has challenged me to stay on my toes and be ready for anything!"
Building a Foundation
From Frederick, Maryland, just forty minutes outside Washington, DC and Baltimore, Hawkins didn't just prepare for veterinary school. She built an academic powerhouse: undergraduate dual degrees, a master's in Veterinary Biomedical Science from LMU, and now a DVM candidacy set for 2027.
But her resume tells a different story than traditional academic excellence. It speaks to someone who shows up.
Vice President of the Veterinary Business Management Association. Fundraising Chair for the LMU-CVM SAVMA Symposium. CVM Student Ambassador. Tutor for Clinical Skills, Anatomy, and Diagnostic Imaging. Radiographic Interpretation Liaison. O'Brien Veterinary Group Student Ambassador, so many hats, so little time!
Each title represents not just participation, but leadership in action.
The Weight of Being First
After grueling days, Hawkins comes home to what matters: her husband, her Vizsla, Dante, cooking dinner together, favorite shows, and playing video games. Simple rhythms that keep her grounded.
She needs them. Because beyond the coursework and clinical rotations, Hawkins carries something heavier.
"The biggest problem facing the veterinary field today? Diversity. This field lacks diversity severely," she says. "We need change."
Rather than treating representation as a burden, Hawkins transformed it into purpose. She works directly with pre-vet students, helping with personal statements, offering guidance and watching multiple mentees gain admission to veterinary programs.
"My goal has always been to find ways to bring access to young children and college students," she explains. She hopes to inspire young Black students to always follow their dreams.
The Wisdom She Carries
If she could speak to her younger self, Hawkins knows exactly what she'd say: "Continue to always persevere. Many people will doubt you, but don't you ever doubt yourself. Don't ever dim your light for nobody."
It's advice born from experience. Advice she lives daily.
She also believes everyone should step outside their comfort zone at least once. "I think everyone should try either an acting class or a dance class (any style!)," she says. "Dancing is just a fun way to relieve stress and learn a new skill!"
Looking Forward
Ask Hawkins where she'll be in five years, and she doesn't rattle off practice ownership goals or specialty credentials.
"A better version of myself that I love, physically and emotionally."
It's the answer of someone who understands that success isn't just about achievements—it's about becoming whole.
When Anecia Hawkins (Whitehead) graduates in 2027, she won't just add another DVM to the profession. She'll bring artistry to diagnostics, advocacy to practice, and living proof that excellence comes in forms veterinary medicine desperately needs to recognize.
The stage prepared her well. Now she's ready to transform the field. It is no wonder she’s a Vet Candy 2026 Rising Star!
