UMO Student Secures Place in Competitive NC State Vet Program
For Trinity Frayer, the goal of becoming a veterinarian has been shaped by years of hands-on experience that began on her family’s small hobby farm in Hiddenite, North Carolina. That foundation, combined with focused academic study, has led to her acceptance into the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Surrounded by goats, cattle, chickens, and just about any animal her family could raise, Frayer developed a natural ease with animals that would later shape her career path. That interest took a clear direction the day a large animal veterinarian visited her family’s farm. “The veterinarian let me help and even administer a vaccine,” Frayer recalled. “I had never done anything like that before, and I loved it. That was the moment something clicked.”
That moment has now led to her acceptance into the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she will begin her studies in August 2026. A senior at the University of Mount Olive, Frayer has built a strong academic and experiential foundation, earning a 3.81 GPA while majoring in veterinary bioscience, minoring in chemistry, and adding a second major in biomedical science. Along the way, she has balanced the demands of athletics, leadership roles, and rigorous coursework.
Her decision to attend UMO was intentional. While considering larger universities, she was drawn to Mount Olive’s smaller class sizes and emphasis on hands-on learning. “I wanted to be somewhere I could build relationships with professors and gain real experience,” Frayer said. “That mattered more to me than anything else.”
It did not take long to see the impact of that choice. Through courses that emphasized practical application and through work both on and off campus, Frayer connected classroom knowledge to real-world settings. From anatomy labs to reproductive physiology to animal production, each experience reinforced her direction. “Making those connections between what I was learning and what veterinarians actually confirmed I was on the right path,” she said.
While at UMO, Frayer has balanced a full course load alongside track and field and her role as a resident assistant. An injury temporarily sidelined her from competition, but the time away created space to refocus. “That was one of my hardest academic years,” she said. “But it gave me time to focus, recover, and really plan for veterinary school.”
Beyond the classroom, Frayer began building her resume, working on both small and large animal operations. Working on both a small organic dairy farm and a larger commercial dairy, she gained direct experience with livestock management. While she values all areas of veterinary medicine, her interest continues to center on food animal care, particularly dairy and beef cattle.
At UMO, Frayer also found opportunities to grow as a leader. She served three years as a Resident Assistant, mentored first-year students, and remained active in organizations such as the Animal Science Club and TriBeta Biological Honor Society. “The environment here makes it easy to get involved and step into leadership roles,” she said. “That has helped build my confidence in ways I did not expect.”
Faculty mentorship played a key role in her development as well. Frayer credits Dr. Will Farmer, Dr. Heather Glennon, and Dr. Sara Lahman with helping guide her through the demanding pre-veterinary track. “They have been incredibly supportive,” she said. “There is always someone here willing to help you succeed.”
Frayer’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In addition to her acceptance into NC State’s highly competitive veterinary program, Frayer was also selected as a Food Animal Scholar, a recognition that affirms both her academic preparation and her commitment to the field. “Being recognized in that way means a lot,” she said. “It shows that the work I have put in is leading somewhere meaningful.”
As she looks ahead to veterinary school, Frayer is focused on continuing to grow while remaining open to the opportunities ahead. Her long-term goal is to work as a large animal veterinarian, with a desire to serve agricultural communities and support both animal health and the people who depend on it. “I want to be someone producers can rely on,” she said. “Building relationships and supporting the agricultural community is just as important as the medicine itself.”
Frayer is the daughter of Michelle and Charlie Frayer and a graduate of South Iredell High School in Statesville, North Carolina.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
