Animals, aquatic life and household pets have intrigued Brandon McIntyre since childhood.
The Lawrenceville, Georgia, native will soon turn that fascination into a professional career.
On Saturday, May 11, McIntyre will graduate from Fort Valley State University (FVSU) with a Bachelor of Science degree in veterinary technology. FVSU’s 2024 Spring Commencement Ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. in Wildcat Stadium.
“I decided to attend FVSU because after researching different veterinary colleges in Georgia, I found out that the institution has a very reputable program,” the 22-year-old said.
However, McIntyre did not make up his mind to fulfill his childhood dream until his senior year of high school.
“I did dual enrollment at Georgia Gwinnett College. While in the program, I started taking early veterinary classes and exploring various aspects of the major. It wasn’t until this point that I decided this is the career I wanted to pursue.”
Once enrolled at FVSU, McIntyre immersed himself into his studies and enjoyed campus life.
“Overall, I would say that my experience as an undergraduate student has been excellent. Everything from my major and the professors in my department, living on campus and my interactions with other people has been enjoyable. I’ve never encountered any problems while an undergraduate at FVSU.”
Furthermore, he credits Dr. Saul Mofya, head of the veterinary technology department, for helping him successfully complete his academic journey.
“I consider him to be a mentor, a role model and a very serene and knowledgeable man,” McIntyre said.
When not hitting the books, the Lawrenceville native spent most of his free time in various community service activities. This included participating in campus clean-up projects, donating goods to the general public and decorating the campus during homecoming.
The soon to be FVSU alumnus plans to steer interested students to attend the middle Georgia institution.
“I would say that Fort Valley is a family-oriented school that looks out for its students in all aspects. From living on campus to interactions with faculty and staff, there is someone there for you. On top of that, it offers a variety of majors including the new nursing program.”
As a member of FVSU’s 2024 graduating class, McIntyre says he is excited about his achievement, knowing that all the work he put in will slowly pay off.
“I also feel a great deal of comfort, knowing that I can start a new chapter in my life outside of college with the knowledge I have gained.”
McIntyre hopes to have an informative and positive impact on his clients once he starts his career.
“By doing so, I can build strong client patient relationships. In addition to this, I want my clients to be up front and trust me with their situations,” he said.
After graduation, McIntyre plans to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and work at a small animal hospital or equine facility.
“I’m ready to find myself setting off for a new stage in my life,” McIntyre said.