Increasing diversity in veterinary colleges helps open the profession to more people from all walks of life and enriches the lives of all the individuals in the veterinary community and the populations they serve.

In 2012, Welcome Day orientation at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine showed Kat Baker what an inclusive academic community the college offers.

Now a member of the Class of 2016, Baker visited the college to learn more about the curriculum, scholarships, and financial aid, and to tour the college and hospital. She also met faculty members and current students.

"From the beginning, I felt like everyone was committed to my success," Baker said. "There was a sense of family and I knew that MSU had a structure of support for students that I didn't see in other schools."

A sense of community was important to Baker, who came to East Lansing from the Chicago area.

"I come from a very close family," Baker said. "I'm an only child and my mom and dad have really supported me every step of the way. My parents don't really understand why I want to be a veterinarian, but they are behind me 100 percent because they see that it's what I really want to do."

Baker worked for a veterinary clinic during her undergraduate years at the University of Illinois, and found that as much as she loves animals, she enjoys the interaction with the animals' families. Developing relationships with pets and their families—this is part of the appeal to Baker.

"A small animal general medicine practice is what I'm interested in," Baker said. "Part of that includes outreach and education about preventative medicine to the community, and part includes complementary medicine, especially acupuncture."

Returning home, developing relationships with companion animals and their families, and reaching out to the community—her story is like students at veterinary colleges around the country. Baker's story is also special, because she is an African American woman entering a profession that still has progress to make regarding diversity.

In honor of Black History Month, the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine and the American Veterinary Medical Association call for greater diversity in the profession, and celebrate those who have helped break down barriers.

The college honors our students, faculty, and staff as they work together to create a more inclusive, diverse, and vibrant community.