Clemson welcomes inaugural class of veterinary medicine students to campus

Clemson University welcomed accepted students from the inaugural class of the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine to campus for Accepted Students’ Day on March 14 designed to introduce them to the University community and prepare them for the start of their academic journey.

The daylong program provided important information about the college and resources available to students as they begin their journey in veterinary medicine. Presentations for students took place in the morning and late afternoon. Students also participated in a resource fair focused on helping them learn more about living and learning at Clemson. During that time, students had the opportunity to connect with campus and community partners, explore services and resources and meet fellow members of the inaugural class.

Students also took part in several milestone activities marking the beginning of their professional journey. They were measured for their formal white coats, tried on sample coats and toured the college’s new campus- including the Quattlebaum Hub and the Clinical Teaching building. Clemson’s Tiger mascot was also available for photos, providing a celebratory welcome to the University.

The event gave students an opportunity to meet one another and begin building the professional community that will define Clemson’s first veterinary medicine cohort.

“This is an exciting and historic moment for Clemson University and the state of South Carolina,” said Steven Marks, founding dean of the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine. “Welcoming our inaugural class to campus is about more than sharing information. It is about introducing students to the Clemson community and the collaborative culture that will shape their education and careers.”

The event represents an important step in the launch of Clemson’s new veterinary college, the first in the state of South Carolina, which was created to address growing workforce needs and expand veterinary care across the region.

“Our goal is to prepare day-one ready veterinarians who will serve communities, advance animal and public health and lead the profession,” Marks said. “Meeting our first class of students and helping them begin their Clemson experience is a milestone we are proud to celebrate.”

This inaugural class of 2030, comprised of 60 in-state and 20 out-of-state students, has until mid-April to formally commit to the PCVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

Thanks to Nutramax Laboratories for sponsoring 2026 Accepted Students’ Day!