For many years, federal, state, and industry organizations have recognized the dire need for a larger veterinary workforce in rural areas and food animal industries in the United States, and the situation continues to worsen. Issues that affect every citizen—a safe food supply, potential infectious diseases like highly pathogenic avian influenza, and animal welfare—depend on a watchful veterinary presence within agricultural settings.
As the only veterinary college in Illinois, the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine wants to inform state stakeholders about the veterinary shortage in rural areas and how we are addressing it. The college has undertaken strategies to attract more people with an agricultural background into veterinary medicine and to expose veterinary students to opportunities in these areas.
On Wednesday, October 8, at 4:30 p.m., two faculty members and one current veterinary student will host an online panel discussion about this topic. Everyone is welcome to participate. Registration is required and there is no charge to attend.
Panelists include:
- Dr. Sara Connolly, assistant dean for admissions and student success, College of Veterinary Medicine
- Dr. Jim Lowe, executive associate dean, College of Veterinary Medicine
- Justin Huff, veterinary student in the Class of 2026
The panel will be moderated by Dan Gilbert, a University of Illinois associate professor in the School of Labor and Employment Relations and in the Department of History.
The panel contributes to the overarching celebration of the 40th anniversary of the first Farm Aid concert, held on the University of Illinois campus on September 22, 1985.
Spurlock Museum of World Cultures on the university’s Urbana campus is hosting an exhibit titled “Songs of Solidarity: The 1985 Farm Aid Concert,” which will be open to the public through the end of 2025. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
