At only 8 years old, Conner Chambers experienced a moment of clarity most do not have until later in life. His family moved to Henrietta, Texas, to take over the family farm for his grandparents. 

He recalled the day their local veterinarian came out to the ranch to check the cattle. He motioned Chambers over to show him how he was completing the pregnancy check on their cow. Grinning ear to ear with excitement, it was at that moment he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life working with animals. 

“I want to work with cattle because that is where my passion lies, and that is what I love the most,” Chambers said.

As a third-generation cattle rancher, he explained that he felt destined to fall into this line of work. Chambers knew this is what he wanted and was determined to gain acceptance into vet school ever since.

“I always heard people using the expression, ‘vet school is like trying to drink out of a fire hose,’ but I never knew what they meant until now,” Chambers said. 

Through hard work and perseverance, Chambers gained acceptance into the first class at the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine.

“I believe Texas Tech Animal Science is the best, and I learned a lot in my undergraduate studies that has contributed to my success now,” Chambers said. 

“The Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine provides a hands-on experience, unlike any other program,”

Conner Chambers

Texas Tech University built its vet school with the goal of producing veterinarians who will continue to serve rural areas after graduation, and that is something that resonated with Chambers.

 According to The Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine’s website, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Clayton J. Cobb, said, “I aim to form confident, competent, and practice-ready veterinarians to serve rural and regional communities with a focus in general veterinary practice and leadership.”  

Their mission is to create affordable and innovative high-quality veterinary medical education that focuses on producing veterinarians for smaller communities.

“Even though I had other options, Texas Tech’s mission and values stood out to me, and ultimately that is why I chose to attend,” Chambers said. 

Throughout Chambers educational experience, he has had opportunities that most vet students do not get until later in their career.

“The Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine provides a hands-on experience, unlike any other program,” Chambers said. “Doing a lameness exam for the first time was one of my favorite activities so far.”

He is certain this is what he is meant to be doing and while it may be trying at times, his readiness and grit have paid off through his first year at the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine. 

“They have developed an innovative approach to allow first-year students to experience hands-on activities that prepare them for real-world experiences,” Chambers said. “This is what I want to do the rest of my life, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”