UMO Partners with NC State to Strengthen Food Animal Veterinary Workforce
March 7, 2025
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
MOUNT OLIVE – UMO students now have a direct route to a career in food animal veterinary medicine through an exclusive association with the Food Animal Scholars (FAS) program at North Carolina State University (NCSU) College of Veterinary Medicine (CAV).
In a strategic move to bolster North Carolina’s pool of food animal veterinarians, the University of Mount Olive (UMO) has joined forces with North Carolina State University (NCSU) College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). This opportunity, born from a shared commitment to enhancing animal agriculture, gives UMO students a unique chance to secure one of two potential seats at NC State’s prestigious veterinary program through the FAS initiative.
A Vision for Change
According to Dr. Will Farmer, Assistant Professor of Agriculture Science, including UMO in the Food Animal Scholars Program marks a significant milestone. “UMO students now have a direct opportunity to apply for and potentially secure a seat at NCSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine instead of being included in the general pool of applicants,” he said. “This direct pathway is designed to facilitate the admission process and encourage more students to consider careers in food animal veterinary medicine – a field that, despite its critical importance, has historically struggled to attract sufficient numbers of practitioners,” Farmer said.
Dr. Glen Almond, Professor of Swine Health and Production Management at NCSU and his colleagues at NCSU CVM, in collaboration with NC A&T and UMO, envisioned a program that would expand the ranks of veterinarians specializing in food animal medicine. Each year, eight students and two alternates are selected from a pool of applicants from the three schools, ensuring that the most promising candidates have the support they need to succeed.
Recognizing This Year’s UMO Food Animal Scholar and Alternates
This year’s recipient of the Food Animal Scholar Award from UMO is Trinity Frayer from Hiddenite, NC. Frayer is majoring in Veterinary Bioscience with an Animal Science concentration and pursuing minors in Biology and Chemistry. “Trinity is a hardworking, well-deserving young woman passionate about livestock,” said Farmer. “Her dedication and commitment to animal agriculture will undoubtedly make UMO proud as she continues her education and veterinary training at NCSU.”
Farmer noted that two additional UMO students have been selected as alternates. Although they are alternates, they still have the potential to be selected for the program if one of the current recipients is unable to complete the requirements. Those students are Davis Byrd and Harley Marie Haley. Davis Byrd is a Veterinary Bioscience major with an Animal Science concentration from Beautancus, NC. Harley Marie Haley is from Saulston/Goldsboro and is pursuing a Veterinary Bioscience major with an Animal Science concentration.
“Both Davis and Harley have shown exceptional promise and dedication to food animal veterinary medicine,” said Farmer. “Their hard work and commitment to becoming large animal veterinarians reflect the excellence of UMO’s students and the university’s growing impact in agricultural education.”
Building a Supportive Framework
A key component of the FAS program is its robust mentoring structure. Selected students are paired with two mentors—one from their undergraduate institution and another from NCSU’s Department of Population Health and Pathobiology. “These mentors track students’ progress, help them secure internships, and ensure they accumulate the necessary hands-on experience with food animal veterinarians,” Dr. Farmer said. Such personalized guidance enhances academic and practical training, culminating in a guaranteed seat at NCSU’s veterinary school upon meeting all program requirements.
Rigorous Standards and Clear Benefits
Eligibility for the program is determined by rigorous academic and experiential standards. In addition to maintaining strong academic performance, applicants must show a genuine dedication to food animal medicine through compelling essays and strong letters of recommendation.
According to Farmer, the program is not a financial scholarship; rather, its primary benefit is the seamless academic pathway it provides. “For students who might not stand out in the extremely competitive general application process at NCSU, the FAS program offers a chance to showcase their passion and practical experience,” says Farmer. “This initiative nurtures future professionals and serves as a testament to UMO’s growing reputation in animal agriculture.”
Impact on the Future of Veterinary Medicine
As UMO’s Animal Science and Veterinary Bioscience programs expand, the new partnership is expected to raise the institution’s profile in agricultural education. While Dr. Farmer admits that the program’s impact on UMO’s overall reputation in agricultural education is still evolving, he is confident that increased student participation in the field will enhance UMO’s visibility within North Carolina’s animal agriculture community.
Beyond academic achievements, these graduates will play a vital role in addressing the state’s food animal veterinarian shortage, ensuring private practices and industry leaders have access to highly skilled professionals. Graduates of the FAS program are expected to contribute to North Carolina’s food animal industry by joining or establishing veterinary clinics specializing in cattle, swine, small ruminants, or poultry. Additionally, they may pursue careers as production veterinarians with leading integrators such as Butterball, Smithfield, Tyson, Prestage, House of Raeford, or Sanderson.
Looking Ahead
UMO is not resting on its laurels. The University plans to promote the opportunity through social media channels, guest lectures, and alumni testimonials. “Our goal is to inspire more students to explore the rewarding career paths in food animal veterinary medicine,” Farmer said.
For more information about the Food Animal Scholars Program, contact Dr. Farmer at wfarmer@umo.edu.
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.
