Although Texas A&M University is a state-assisted institution, it must rely on private contributions and support to maintain its excellence. When you have made one or more contributions totalling $1,000 to any of the development initiatives at the college, you become a Mark Francis Fellow. Fellows help meet needs in several fundamental areas including student scholarships and financial aid, equipment, public outreach, academic programs, research, and animal treatment.
As Fellows continue to give to the college, they are recognized at the following levels:
Fellows comprise a select group of College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences advocates who find satisfaction in close involvement with a college whose achievements are immediate, tangible, and significant.
Fellows are people who are concerned about Texas veterinary medicine-people who recognize that the college is in a unique position to make important advancements for animals and human beings through education, research, and service.
Fellows are the leaders for voluntary giving and set the pace for other donors to the college.
As a Mark Francis Fellow, your gifts will enable Texas A&M University to continue its long-standing tradition of making a difference in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Mark Francis became the first professor of veterinary science at Texas A&M and was largely responsible for the establishment of the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1916. He served as the college's first dean until his death in 1936.
Francis is fondly remembered for his pioneering efforts in the fight against the devastating Texas Tick Fever. He helped organize the Texas veterinary profession in 1903 and became the first president of the newly formed state organization, which later became the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA).