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Two pre-veterinary students from the University of Arkansas at Monticello are headed to one of the top veterinary schools in the region. Lifetime friends, Jayden Grider and Ruthann Corker have both been accepted into the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, where they will begin their path to becoming veterinarians.

Both students ranked in the top nine of applicants from Arkansas earning in-state tuition in recognition of their academic excellence.

Grider and Corker credit their success to the unwavering support of UAM’s animal science faculty. Hands-on experiences in labs led by Dr. Rocky Lindsey, associate professor for the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources (CFANR) at UAM, and Dr. Maribel Nelson, assistant professor for CFANR at UAM, were instrumental in preparing them for veterinary school. Both students highlighted cattle palpation, ultrasound and small ruminant labs at UAM Farms as impactful to their learning experience and acceptance to LSU’s program.

Additionally, UAM faculty provided opportunities for students to attend RCK Genetics’ Cattle Artificial Insemination Training in Romance, Arkansas. Grider cited this experience as an influential part of her education.

While pursuing their degrees, Grider and Corker worked as veterinary assistants at local clinics, gaining real-world experience in animal care. Both women rotated working for Norris Animal Clinics throughout southeast Arkansas.

“Dr. Rocky has been a big help and pushed students to do more and gain more experiences in veterinary science,” said Corker. “He assisted both of us with getting jobs at the Norris Animal Clinics, provided valuable experiences with sheep and goats and the opportunity to travel on a veterinary mission trip to Belize,” Grider added.

Corker has a strong interest in becoming a large animal veterinarian, a passion fueled by her work with cattle on the UAM farm. Grider, meanwhile, plans to specialize in small animal emergency medicine, drawn to the fast-paced environment and the opportunity to make critical, life-saving interventions for pets in urgent need.

The two students, who have been friends since their days at Warren High School, are thrilled to begin the next chapter of their journey together.

“This has been my dream since I was four years old, but getting the privilege to live out this dream with my best friend just makes it that much sweeter,” Grider said.

Corker’s and Grider’s acceptance to LSU highlights the quality of education and preparation that the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources provides students in its Pre-Vet program.

“There’s a big hole in the UAM animal science department after the 2025 graduation of this crew,” Dr. Lindsey said. “But we look forward to welcoming a new group of excellent students in the fall.”

For more information about UAM’s Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with Pre-Vet emphasis, visit the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources’ website.