Texas A&M Student LGVMA

Veterinary medical student Joseph Hicks was recently named president of the Student Chapter of the Lesbian and Gay Veterinary Medical Association (LGVMA) as the organization marked its return to Texas A&M after a few years of inactivity.

"This revitalization of the A&M LGVMA started with the recent American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) survey on climate and diversity at veterinary medical schools," said Hicks. "The student leadership in the Council for Diversity and Professionalism (CDP) took this information and recognized the need to focus on promoting a positive environment of LGBT students within our college."

An initial first step involved a presentation from Dr. Michael Chaddock, Deputy Director of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) about LGBT issues in veterinary medicine. With more than 100 students in attendance, the administrative team was pleased to announce a pledge from the college to include significant financial support to help the organization get up to speed again.

"We had more than 30 enthusiastic students at our first meeting," said Hicks. "It is exciting to get this group going again, and to have so much support behind it. Special thanks go to not only those that attended that initial presentation and our first meeting, but also to our faculty advisor, Dr. Jorg Steiner and CVM Chief of Staff John Scroggs. We look forward to providing a network for LGBT students within our college. It is truly a great time to be an Aggie vet."

Hicks' announcement about the revitalization of the Texas A&M Student Chapter of the LGVMA is set to be published in the LGVMA Good News which is the national publication for the organization. To read Hicks' article, click here.

Contact Information:
Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc - (979) 862-2675
Cell - (979) 739-5718