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National Geographic Commits $50,000 to FVSU for Vet Tech Scholarship

by Mechell McCrary

Posted on May 21, 2021 at 0:00 AM

By Mechell Clark McCrary

Fort Valley State University received a commitment of $50,000 from National Geographic for a full-time undergraduate student majoring in veterinary technology. The media conglomerate including television's Nat Geo WILD, announced it will make the donation in honor of FVSU alums, Drs. Terrance Ferguson and Vernard Hodges. The scholarship will be awarded to a student demonstrating financial need and used to pay for tuition, books, supplies, and other fees included in the cost of education.

Ferguson and Hodges majored in veterinary technology while at FVSU and are the current stars of Critter Fixers: Country Vets television show airing on Nat Geo WILD. Both are among the few African American veterinarians in the nation.

"I am extremely proud of National Geographic's support of diversity and beyond excited to have this scholarship awarded to a deserving student in our honor," said Hodges. "Less than 2% of veterinarians in the country are black and this scholarship shows how much National Geographic supports the mission of our alma mater."

Dr. Anthony Holloman, Vice President of Advancement, and Executive Director for the Fort Valley State University Foundation also expressed gratitude for National Geographic's support of black veterinarians.

"This scholarship will help create a real career pathway for a student who aspires to become a veterinarian," said Holloman. "It will also further highlight the outstanding academic opportunities that exist here at FVSU for prospective students to study veterinary technology -- especially students from underrepresented communities."

Earlier this week, Nat Geo WILD announced it will renew Critter Fixers for a third season starting in Spring 2022. The show follows Hodges and Ferguson as they encounter unique cases caring for animals between emergency visits to their office and farm calls throughout rural Georgia. The second season premieres tomorrow, Saturday May 22, 2021.

Watch Trailer for Critter Fixers HERE.

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