UMO Graduate Riley Morrison Sets Sights on Rural Veterinary Care

Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations

MOUNT OLIVE – By the time many students are settling into their first year of college, Riley Morrison was already halfway to her bachelor’s degree and preparing for the next stage of an ambitious academic plan.

Entering the University of Mount Olive as a 17-year-old junior after completing her associate’s degree in high school, Morrison approached her education with unusual momentum. Two years later, she graduated in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Bioscience: Biological Sciences, a minor in Chemistry, a 3.9 GPA, and acceptance to The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she will begin in August 2026. 

Born in Pinehurst, North Carolina, and raised in Ohio, South Carolina, and North Carolina, Morrison’s educational journey reflects both mobility and determination. She credits her parents, David and Athena Morrison, with consistently prioritizing education and encouraging her to pursue challenging opportunities.

“My parents provided me with opportunities and the best education they could throughout my life,” Morrison said. “They both pushed me to achieve my dreams and supported me throughout my education.” 

Although Morrison had long envisioned veterinary medicine in her future, her experiences at UMO reshaped the direction of that dream. Initially focused on small animal care, an internship experience introduced her to livestock work, sparking a growing passion for large animal medicine. 

When paired with UMO’s hands-on academic environment, that shift became permanent. “Animal science and animal nutrition were the classes that helped confirm I was on the right path,” Morrison said. “I enjoyed the material, and the hands-on experience in lab reinforced my decision to pursue a career in the agricultural field.” 

Morrison’s time at UMO extended beyond coursework. She served as an officer in the Animal Science Club, participated in Collegiate FFA, played on the Developmental Women’s Basketball team, worked part-time, and completed undergraduate research, all while commuting.

Those responsibilities demanded discipline and adaptability, qualities that Morrison believes will serve her well in veterinary school. “Balancing everything was definitely tough,” she said. “I definitely developed better methods for balancing all classes and activities while at Mount Olive like learning when to take a break, using my time effectively, and staying organized.”

Her research experiences included faculty-led scientific experimentation as well as an industry-focused study on job satisfaction in the food sector. Together, those projects sharpened her abilities in data collection, analysis, and professional presentation. “Both scientific experiments and data collection will be utilized in veterinary school and post-graduate work,” Morrison explained. “Reinforcing and practicing these skills allows me to present my findings precisely and efficiently.” 

After not being accepted during her first veterinary school application cycle, Morrison used her gap year strategically, gaining additional experience, financial stability, and renewed perspective. “My gap year has been a blessing in disguise,” she said. “I’ve been able to gain more experience, take a break from schoolwork, and build financial savings. I feel much more prepared for veterinary school.” 

Now entering Ohio State, one of the nation’s leading veterinary programs, with a first-year scholarship of $15,000, Morrison’s professional vision remains rooted in practical service.

She plans to work in private practice within rural communities, helping address the shortage of large animal veterinarians while supporting agricultural producers. Her future may also include specialization in pathology, private practice ownership, and farm management.

“I want to help relieve the burden from other veterinarians as well as clients who have been impacted by the scarcity of large animal veterinarians,” Morrison said. “Ultimately, I want to bridge the gap between agricultural communities and those unfamiliar, provide veterinary care for farmers in underserved areas, and support other veterinarians facing overwhelming demand.”

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.