Katlyn Cunningham graduated from the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Nursing Program in 2026 and went straight from the Commencement stage to a job with the College’s brand-new Community Medicine Program.
As a veterinary nurse in the program, Cunningham journeys across Michigan in a state-of-the-art trailer-turned-surgical suite, supporting the state’s animal welfare organizations with free spay and neuter procedures. Cunningham participates in the outreach work while guiding students through valuable hands-on clinical experiences aboard the mobile unit.
A perk of her new job: a best friend.
“I first saw the cutest little seal point kitten in a Facebook post from my local shelter and immediately knew I wanted her,” she says. “I emailed the shelter right away, only to learn that she wouldn’t be available for a few more weeks and that I would need to keep checking the website.”
As a soon-to-be grad, Cunningham knew that constantly refreshing her Internet browser was at odds with the many other obligations keeping her busy, and that someone else was likely to beat her to the punch.
“I reluctantly gave up hope,” recalls Cunningham.
A few weeks later, she started her new job at her alma mater, and a beautiful coincidence unfolded.
“My very first travel day — and second official day on the job — was to that same shelter. I had assumed the kitten had already found a home, so I didn’t even think to look around,” she says. A busy day of surgery followed. When Cunningham stepped inside for lunch, a student stopped her.
“Your kitten is inside,” the student told her.
“Confused, I looked over—and there she was,” says Cunningham. “The same little seal point kitten I had fallen in love with weeks earlier.”
She wasted no time in beginning the foster-to-adopt arrangements with shelter staff, and one month later, she officially signed adoption papers. The kitten, who she named Tilly, was home.
“Today, she’s four months old, healthy, thriving, and has become the perfect addition to our family,” Cunningham says. “Looking back, it feels like she was meant to find her way to us after all.”
Serving and Leading in Community
Spartan spirit led Cunningham to the position in the first place.
“As I was starting my final semester of clinicals, I knew MSU was where I wanted to stay,” she says. “I loved the medicine, the constant learning environment, and the people and patients.”
When the Community Medicine position opened, she was intrigued by the new program. The more she learned, the more she knew the role would be a good match for her.
“I was specifically drawn to the idea of having an impact on communities and animals’ lives across the state,” she explains. “Growing up in a small town with a strong sense of community taught me the value of supporting those around you, and that has always been an important part of who I am.”
With a background in 4-H and FFA youth programs, Cunningham had a rich history of volunteer work, including at her local Humane Society. Combined with work at a nearby veterinary clinic, she experienced multiple facets of shelter medicine before graduation.
“I don’t think I realized my love for shelter animals until I was immersed in it,” she says. “I’ve always told myself that once I got licensed, I would volunteer on weekends for local TNR [trap-neuter-return] or spay/neuter programs. Being involved in Community Medicine, I get to do it every day, not just on the weekends.”
In the role, she develops her clinical training while also learning leadership skills.
“I get to bond with these animals, prep for surgery, run anesthesia, help teach and mentor students, and play a meaningful role in supporting communities across the state,” she says. “Knowing this work directly improves the lives of animals while also serving communities that need access to veterinary care made Community Medicine a great fit for me.”