鈥楥ritter Fixers鈥� welcome 65 new Tuskegee Veterinarians to the Profession

May 12, 2025

Contact:  Anissa L. Riley, College of Veterinary Medicine
   

蘑菇视频 College of Veterinary Medicine alumni Dr. Terrence Ferguson 鈥�98 and Dr. Vernard Hodges 鈥�97, the stars of the popular show 鈥淐ritter Fixers: Country Vets,鈥� inspired the 76th graduating class with urgency and passion to serve their communities with the grounding they learned at Tuskegee.

鈥淩emember always, you are enough, you have enough, you know enough, you belong in this profession, you are part of a great legacy, the world needs you and veterinary medicine needs your perspective because you are not just a doctor, but a Tuskegee made doctor of veterinary medicine,鈥� they said. 

Tuskegee has now awarded over 3,100 veterinary medicine degrees as the first veterinary medical professional program on the campus of a Historically Black College or University.

"It is an honor, as the dean, that I welcome the Class of 2025 into the esteemed veterinary profession,鈥� said Dr. Ruby L. Perry, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine during the oath and hooding ceremony. 鈥淭hese new colleagues will join a proud legacy of veterinary professionals and alumni who have shaped our profession with dedication and excellence.鈥� 

Dr. Ferguson and Dr. Hodges gave an uplifting Veterinary Medicine Oath Charge to the newly named doctors of veterinary medicine. They also emphasized the magnitude of what their degree from Tuskegee means. 

鈥淵ou are now stepping into your purpose,鈥� they told the graduates. 鈥淎s Tuskegee gave us permission to dream bigger, it has now done the same for you. This degree is not just any degree, but it is a Tuskegee degree which really means something big!鈥� 
 
The TV personalities are also co-owners of Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital in Georgia and in addition to their work as veterinarians and television stars, they give back to their community through their 鈥淰et for a Day鈥� initiative to attract middle and high school students to the profession. Dr. Ferguson is also one of the founders of the Peach County Youth Association, an organization that focuses on academics and athletics. Dr. Hodges also started the Dr. Vernard Hodges It Takes A Village Foundation, a nonprofit charity organization that teaches children business skills.

The Administration of the Veterinarian鈥檚 Oath was presented by Dr. Barbara Authement, President of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA), followed by welcome to the profession and alumni association remarks by Dr. Dana Fuller, 2003 graduate and president of the Tuskegee Veterinary Alumni Association (TVMAA).
 
Dean Perry also recognized five TUCVM Distinguished Alumni Awards recipients during the veterinary medicine oath ceremony program. This year鈥檚 honorees included:

• Dr. Terrence Ferguson 鈥�98 and Dr. Vernard Hodges 鈥�97;
• Dr. Linda Jacobson 鈥�71, former president of the Tuskegee Veterinary Medical Alumni Association (TVMAA), the Veterinary Medical Association of New York City, the New York State Veterinary Medical Society, and the Board of Directors of the North American Veterinary Community;
• Dr. Bernardino Ortiz 鈥�64, former president of the Puerto Rico Veterinary Medical Association; State Veterinary Board in Puerto Rico; and a contributor to the eradication of several diseases in cows in addition to diagnosing the first case of Equine leishmaniasis in Puerto Rico; 
• Dr. Vera Ann Burrell 鈥�64, the first woman licensed veterinarian in Puerto Rico, the first woman president of the Puerto Rico Veterinary Medical Association, the first president of the "Colegio de M茅dicos Veterinarios de Puerto Rico" and the developer of the third AAHA Hospital in Puerto Rico - Caguas Veterinary Hospital along with her husband, Dr. Bernardino Ortiz.

Dr. Mark A. Brown made a surprise presentation to Dean Perry for her 11 years of service as dean. She was presented with a limited edition print by Tuskegee alums. 

The Veterinary Oath and Hooding Ceremony it is available for viewing at the university鈥檚 YouTube link: .

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