Lincoln Memorial University’s Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine launches new program; establishes scholarship fund

Lincoln Memorial University’s Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine has a new certificate program available, as well as a new scholarship established via a $1.5 million gift from the Jared Estate.

According to an article on Lincoln Memorial University’s website that discusses the new certificate in Equine Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Stacy Anderson, who serves as the executive dean of the LMU-CVM, was quoted as saying, “We are proud to offer a program unlike any other in the country. By creating opportunities for DVM students to focus on equine medicine and to give them academic credentials to prove their additional study in this area, we are preparing the next generation of veterinarians to serve and lead in one of the most specialized areas of the veterinary profession.”

The certificate is part of the Equine Veterinary Education Program. With the new certificate, the program is essentially expanded to allow for more student participation. Previously, the only way to participate in the equine program was through the undergraduate track, but now that the certificate has been introduced, any current student in the doctor of veterinary medicine program will be able to take the certificate courses in addition to their regular veterinary courses. Students will earn both their degree and the certificate.

Equine Veterinary Education Program at the Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine is the first of its kind in the country.

In a separate article on Lincoln Memorial University’s website, the new scholarship that has been established via an estate gift from the Jareds is outlined. The late Donald and Meg Jared’s estate bequeathed $1.5 million to the Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine to use for student support. In addition to their financial gift, the couple also left the school their 144-acre property and home in Oliver Springs, Tennessee, an area that is full of wildlife and helped connect the couple with the CVM.

Don Jared died at 91 on Christmas Day in 2024, with Meg passing three weeks later at the age of 88.

Speaking of the couple’s gift, Dr. Frank Woodward, who serves as the vice president for University Advancement, was quoted as saying, "We are profoundly grateful for this gift. The generosity of the Jared family is an investment in the future of veterinary education, and it will make a significant difference for students at LMU-CVM. Though deeply missed, their legacy will live on through the lives and careers of the students their generosity will support.”

For more information about Lincoln Memorial University, visit the school’s website.