Student Organizations

Class work and clinics do not constitute a student's entire four-year stay at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Recreational, off-campus, and other activities abound.

Many students elect to join one of several College of Veterinary Medicine student organizations for fellowship and to gain experience in a specialized facet of the profession.

Some of these organizations include:

Christian Veterinary Fellowship
Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (SCAVSAB)
Student Chapter American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA)
Student Chapter of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (SCAABP)
Student Chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners
Student Chapter of the American Animal Hospital Association (SCAAHA)
Student Chapter of the American College of Comparative Medicine and Veterinary Pathologists
American Association of Swine Practioners (SCAASP)
Student Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (SCAAZV)
Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Dental Society (SCAVDS)
Student Chapter of the Emergency and Critical Care Society (SCVECCS)
Student Chapter of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (SCASV)
Mule Club
PALS (Pet-Assisted Love and Support)
Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club
Raptor Rehabilitation Project
Small Ruminant and Camelid Club
Society of Veterinary Medical Ethics
Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA)
Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Club
Veterinarians as One In Culture and Ethnicity (VOICE)
Honor Societies
Other Campus Activities

Club Policies
Updated August, 2008

Christian Veterinary Fellowship (CVF)

President - Sage Buckner
Vice President - Grant Wilburn
Missions Coordinator - Sarah Motsinger
Treasurer - Stacin Halverson
Bible Study Leader - Kellien Oettl

The Christian Veterinary Fellowship (CVF) is a nondenominational fellowship of veterinary students, faculty, and staff who are committed to live their Christian faith in ministry through the profession of veterinary medicine. We provide education and encouragement for those who desire ministery through modeling of Christ’s love.

We meet every month for Bible studies that relate to today’s issues. Our organization also participates in community service projects, prayer meetings, and social activities.

CVF is the chapter of the Christian Veterinary Missions (CVM) that sends veterinarians and veterinary students on mission trips to numerous countries throughout the world.

We invite all interested parties to participate.

Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (SCAVSAB)

President: Nathaniel Kollias
Vice President: Yaira Rivera Rivera
Secretary: Taylor Brune
Treasurer: Taylor Brune
Faculty Advisor: Drs. Carolyn Henry and Debra Horwitz

The SCAVSAB is an organization dedicated to promoting the importance of animal behavior in veterinary medicine, providing students with educational opportunities in relation to animal behavior, and creating and maintaining an affiliation between student chapter members and the American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior.

This group also seeks to encourage camaraderie among veterinary medical students with an interest in animal behavior and to act as a communication link between practicing animal behaviorialists and veterinary medical students.

Assistance will be provided to students who wish to participate in externships with practicing veterinarians with a professional interest in animal behavior.

Email: animalbehavior@missouri.edu

Student Chapter American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA)

President: Dane Foxwell
Vice-President: Andria St.Clair
Secretary: Megan Hannon
Treasurer: Nicole Freeman
GPC Representative: Sage Buckner, Evelyn Mackay
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Richard Meadows
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dusty Nagy

SCAVMA represents the students of the College of Veterinary Medicine and is recognized by the MU campus as a student organization. The SCAVMA executive board serves as the College’s student council and selected members serve as representatives to the MU Graduate Professional Council. We provide social activities for students, extracurricular educational opportunities, and promote organized veterinary medicine.

Membership requirements include annual dues and a commitment to work at the SCAVMA booth at least one football game while being a VM-1 and VM-2. Meetings are usually held the first Monday of the month, September through June, at 6 p.m. in the Veterinary Medicine Building. Officers are elected in December.

Benefits of membership include: reduced subscription rate for the Journal of the AVMA or American Journal of Veterinary Research, free registration to national AVMA meetings, surgery instrument and clinic coat programs, free AVMA dues for the first year after graduation, eligibility for emergency loans through the local auxiliary and AVMA Foundation, financial support to attend symposiums and meetings, and concurrent membership in the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA).

Student Chapter of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners

President: Ben Potter
VP: Morgan Wolff
Secretary: Sarah Claytor
Treasurer: Nikki Haarmann
Historian: Alicia Tutino
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Robert Miller

The Bovine Club is for students who have an interest in learning about or working with cattle. Monthly meetings are held with various speakers talking about reproduction, nutrition, lameness, and gastrointestinal problems, just to mention a few.

Field trips and hands-on wet labs are also offered throughout the year dealing with various aspects of bovine medicine. Social gatherings and barbecues top the highlights of the bovine club.

If you are interested in cattle, or don’t know much about them but want to learn more, come out and join the fun. All are welcome.

Student Chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (SCAAEP)

President: Shanna Nelson
Vice-President: Liz Schroepfer
Secretary: Monika Dreher
Treasurer: Brett Windhorst
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Allison LaCarrubba

Mission Statement: To enhance the educational opportunities of the professional students at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, inform students about veterinary related problems currently affecting the horse industry, and to promote the exchange of professional knowledge among students and practitioners for the advancement of equine health.

Member Benefits: *Wet labs including horse handling skills, dentistry, reproductive procedures, farriery/podiatry, joint injections, lameness exams, and diagnostic imaging. *Participation in colic surgeries, rectal palpations, vet checks, and other procedures at the VMTH. *Monthly dinner meetings with guest speakers, including AAEP-sponsored veterinarians and CVM researchers and clinicians.

Student Chapter of the American Animal Hospital Association (SCAAHA)

President: Kristina Tan
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Wet Lab Coordinator: Sarah Nabholz
Lecture Series Coordinator: Anna Stewart
Community Service and Outreach Coordinator: Erin Pauli
Faculty Sponsor: Kimberly Selting
Practitioner Sponsor: Craig Tockman
Corporate Sponsor: Lauren Olavessen

AAHA is a national organization whose purpose is to enhance the abilities of veterinarians to provide quality medical care to companion animals, to successfully conduct their practices and maintain their facilities with high standards of excellence, and to meet the public’s needs as they relate to animals.

The student chapter sponsors monthly workshops and seminars in order to give students an opportunity to expand their clinical knowledge and enhance their clinical abilities. It is valuable for students to get some hands-on experience in clinical situations. This is especially true for VM-1’s and VM-2’s who spend most of their time in the classroom. Examples of workshops held in the past include bandaging, suturing, physical examinations, ECG interpretations, and computer management in veterinary practice.

AAHA activities can be very informative and a lot of fun. Input is always welcome regarding what seminars you would like to hear and what workshops in which you would like to participate.

Student Chapter of the American College of Comparative Medicine and Veterinary Pathologists

President: Jenna Pannone
Treasurer/Secretary: Kari Chesney
Community Service and Fundraising Chair: Michelle Engebretson
Faculty Advisors: Drs. Craig Franklin and Marlyn Whitney

The goal of the Pathology Club is to encourage veterinary medical student involvement in the field of veterinary pathology and to provide an additional opportunity for its associates to gain professional knowledge. We also contribute to the development of the field at MU though activities involving faculty and student associates.

Such activities include wetlabs, case presentations, and visits to regional and national pathology conferences. Our members are interested in all areas, including diagnostic and clinical pathology, wildlife/zoo pathology, toxicology, and exploring a wide array of career opportunities.

There are no fees to join. If you have any interests relating to pathology, please feel free to attend our meetings. We are brand new as of May 2002, so we welcome your input!

Student Chapter of the American Association of Swine Practioners (SCAASP)

President: Samantha Maberry
Vice-President: Charlie Robinson
Secretary: Kelsey McCleary
Treasurer: Aaron Maberry
Historian: Jill Whiting
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tom Fangman

The Swine Club is for students who have an interest in learning about or working with pigs. Monthly meetings are held with various speakers talking about reproduction, nutrition, and health problems, just to mention a few.

Field trips and hands-on wet labs are also offered throughout the year dealing with various aspects of swine medicine.

If you are interested in swine but want to learn more, come out and join the fun. All are welcome.

Student Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (SCAAZV)

President - Jaime LaVelle
Vice-President - Amanda Moffett
Secretary - Elizabeth Judson
Treasurer - Katie Nadolny
Researcher - Alyssa Scagnelli
Historian - Elena Rodriguez
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Cathleen Kovarik

SCAAZV (ZEW Club) is an organization concerned with many aspects of animal medicine. Our scope of interest goes beyond zoo medicine, covering aspects of wildlife medicine and conservation, pet bird medicine, reptile and amphibian medicine, aquatic mammals, and fish medicine. We have guest speakers whose research or occupation involves these aspects of veterinary medicine.

There are also symposiums and other national meetings that our members often attend. We also have wet labs involving dissection, physical exams, and other hands-on projects that are not part of the school curriculum. If you have an interest in this organization, we would be very pleased to see you at our meetings.

Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Dental Society (SCAVDS)

President: Jeremy Mercer
Vice President: Amanda Ford
Secretary: Anna Blick
Treasurer: Sarah Prochnow
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Richard Meadows

SCAVDS is an organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge, education, and awareness of veterinary dentistry and oral surgery among veterinary students. Membership is open to all current veterinary students with an interest in the cutting edge of veterinary dentistry.

Monthly meetings are held with lectures being focused on current techniques, research, and dentistry products. Wet labs are also offered throughout the year, allowing hands on experience with tooth extractions, nerve blocks, and dental radiography. 

We invite you to join SCAVDS and gain an insight into the exciting world of veterinary dentistry and what it can offer you as a future practitioner.

Student Chapter of the Emergency and Critical Care Society (SCVECCS)

President: Tessa Smith
Vice President: Rebecca Mattucks
Secretary: Celia Friedman-Cowan
Treasurer: Lauren Geiger
ICU rounds coordinator: Valentina Moshnikova
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tony Mann

The Student Chapter of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (SCVECCS) was established at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1995. It is affiliated with the national SVECCS and its parent organization, the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS). The VECCS and its associated student chapters are dedicated to the promotion of knowledge, skills, and ability in emergency and critical care of small and large animals.

The MU SCVECCS oversees the Colic Team and the Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Teams (SAECCT) in the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Clydesdale Hall. The Colic Team is made up of first and second year students who assist the equine service with after hours emergencies and a “Foal Watch” for expecting mares. The Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Team is a team made up of second year students who are assigned to evenings (a required shift 6-10 p.m. approximately once per month) throughout the school year to assist in the ICU and to help with small animal emergencies.

Student Chapter of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians

President: Gina Holen
Vice President: Stephen Treese
Secretary: Julie Whithaus
Treasurer: Stephen Treese
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dennis O'Brien

As an advocate for the profession of shelter veterinary medicine, the Association's mission is to advance the practice of shelter medicine and to further veterinary education and research as it relates to animals' health in shelters.

Mule Club

President:  Rachel Weber
Vice-President:  Taylor Cragen
Treasurer:  Jamie Diddle
Secretary:  Kate Miluski
Historian:  Stephen Treese
Faculty Advisor: Drs. John Dodam, Martha Rasch and James Thorne

Tim and Terry -- the latest pair of College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia mules -- will continue the tradition of travelling far and wide across Missouri. Like their predecessors, Hillda and Louise and Jill and Shirley, the CVM mules will continue to proudly represent the College, as well as the University of Missouri-Columbia.

It is the responsibly of the Mule Club to maintain the mules and the relationship they have established with the citizens of Missouri. No membership fee or qualifications are required to join the Mule Club. Members who wish to drive the wagon in parades must drive the practice sled five times with a VM-2 driving instructor. Mule Club members meet regularly throughout the year at the barn to exercise the mules. Mule Club meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, and officer elections are conducted during the April meeting.

More information about the club can be found at our website.

PALS (Pet-Assisted Love and Support)

President: Nicole Rafferty
Vice President: Katie York
Treasurer: Rachel Weber
Secretary: Sarah Hover
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Richard Meadows

PALS was started in September 1994 by Theresa Bruemmer, a student at the MU College of Veterinary Medicine. Students, staff, faculty, or their spouses take their personal pets to hospitals and senior citizens centers. This is intended to increase the socialization and activity levels of patients, decrease feelings of institutionalization, and to provide emotional support and unconditional friendship provided by pets.

All pets must be spayed or neutered, free of all internal and external parasites, attend PALS training sessions, and pass a behavioral and physical screening. Volunteers are required to commit to a one year term.

Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club

President: Alyssa Thomas
Vice President: Scott Bates
Secretary: Sarah Petty
Treasurer: Regan Lee
Social Chair: Lori Thomas
Programming Chair: Sarah Fears
Scholars Rep: Brianne Abermovitz
Fundraising Chairs: Chloe Goodson, Jill Abel, Sofia Miele, Becca Mattucks, Sarah Loehner
Club Adviser: Dr. Linda Berent, Mr. Doug Tindall

Students engaged in pre-veterinary medical study qualify to join this club. A faculty member acts as adviser. At regular meetings, guest speakers discuss various aspects of the profession. One objective of the club is to bring about a closer fellowship among students who have a common interest in seeking admission to the MU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Click here to visit the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club web site

Raptor Rehabilitation Project

President: Brenna Barger
Vice President: Alyssa Scagnelli
Treasurer: Kari Chesney
Secretary: Chloe Goodson
Education Coordinators: Michelle Walker, Susan Schmoker
Facilities Coordinator: Judy Lincoln
Public Relations Coordinator: Marjorie Powers
Volunteer Coordinator: Amber Edwards
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Marie Kerl

The Raptor Rehabilitation Project has three goals:

• To give medical care to and rehabilitate injured birds of prey, so that they can be released into the wild.

• To educate students about avian medicine in general and raptor medicine in particular.

• To educate the public about birds of prey and the work we do for them at the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Enrollment is open to veterinary students and interested members of the public, although actual medical treatments of the birds is performed by the veterinary students and faculty only.

The usual meeting place and time is Room W-235 Veterinary Medicine Building at 7:30 p.m. on alternate Wednesdays. Dues are $10 per year or $5 per semester. Elections are held in April.

Raptor Project Web Site

Small Ruminant and Camelid Club

President: Tora Seals
Vice President: Megan Berlin
Secretary: Evelyn MacKay
Treasurer: Bree Erwin
Historian: Stacy Bradfield
Knitting for noggins coordinator: Kaitlin Steele

This is a club for people that are interested in learning more or gaining hands on experience with small ruminants and/ or camelids. Each year we visit producers in the area and help them in their husbandry activities. The club visits sheep, goat, alpaca, and deer farms. We try to learn about every aspect of the industry for small ruminants, we usually put together a sheep dog demonstration. For the camelids and sheep we learn about making yarn. Which brings us to another part of our club, knitting for noggins, and this part of the club knits hats to give to children with cancer. People will get together and watch movies while knitting hats. In the fall there is a camelid convention for producers and veterinarians, which is a great way to get updated about what is going on today and the concerns of the producers. We are always open to suggestions for producers to visit. If you want more information come out and join us for our meetings.

Society of Veterinary Medical Ethics

This group is designed to research and discuss issues involving the ethical use of animals and their treatment.

Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA)

President: Allison Rohde
Vice-President: Beverly Thompson
Treasurer: Sofia Miele
Secretary: Amanda Brehm
Marketing Chair: Carmen Watchinski
Business Certificate Chair: Nicole Rafferty
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ron Cott

The MU Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) exists to fulfill three main goals:

• To increase student interest and awareness regarding issues pertinent to their financial affairs, and to prepare for entry into the job market and/or the veterinary businesses in which they will be engaged in after graduation.

• To involve students in discussions led by knowledgeable veterinary practice management consultants.

• To provide a forum for learning life skills and the principles of successful business management.

Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Club

President - Shane Murphy
Vice President - Libby Fedorko
Secretary - Jillian Paegelow
Treasurer - Laura Critchett
Faculty Advisor - Dr. Lisa Britt

VOICE (Veterinary Students as One in Culture & Ethnicity)

President:  Yaira Rivera Rivera
Vice President: Sarah Motsinger
Secretary:  Elena Rodriguez
Treasurer:  Carmen Watchinski
VAMOS Coordinator:  Casey Conklin

VOICE is a student run organization that addresses a need for socio-cultural awareness that is not part of the current core veterinary curriculum. VOICE feels that the veterinary colleges and the profession as a whole will embrace VOICE and partner with our organization to fill this gap in the curriculum.

The lack of racial diversity in veterinary medicine has been the topic of conversation at many recent major veterinary conferences held by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Student AVMA (SAVMA). It is known that the current veterinary demographics do not adequately reflect the diverse cultural landscape of the United States. A common concern is that a predominantly white profession cannot understand or adequately serve an increasingly diverse population nationally or abroad. A student body that is diverse and informed of cultural and ethnic differences would help to create "culturally competent" veterinarians capable of properly serving the public.

We plan to be an organized and unified student voice contributing to enhancing the diversity of the profession and the cultural competence of veterinary students.

Membership is open to any person in the veterinary community. It should be noted that VOICE has many non-minority members on the executive board and in the general body. There is no membership fee, therefore VOICE depends on grants from companies and alumni as well as financial assistance from the Office of Student Services, Graduate and Professional Student Association Financial Committee and the Office of the Dean in order to provide the various activities.

Honor Societies

• Phi Zeta — This is a scholastic honorary society to which third and fourth year veterinary medical students may be elected.
• Gamma Sigma Delta — This national organization recognizes students of the Colleges of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; Veterinary Medicine; Human Environmental Sciences; and the School of Natural Resources, who have shown exceptional ability during undergraduate or graduate work. It also recognizes alumni and faculty members who have rendered significant service to the cause of agricultural development.
• Graduate Honor Societies — The Rollins Society is the graduate-level organization that recognizes leadership, service, and scholastic achievement.

Other Campus Activities

All students are members of the Missouri Students Association and have a voice in campus affairs. They are offered opportunities to fulfill their responsibilities to the student community through participation in a system of student self-government, with emphasis at the divisional level. There are social fraternities and sororities on campus with national affiliation.

To join any of the clubs listed in this brochure, please visit the:

Office of the Associate Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs
W-213 Veterinary Medicine Building
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Missouri
Columbia, Mo. 65211
573/882-1902