KeeLeigh Jenkins, Class of 2027

Highlighting the incredible summer experiences of our College of Veterinary Medicine students.

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This summer, KeeLeigh Jenkins, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student from Melbourne, Florida, took her passion for service beyond the classroom through the U.S. Army’s Health Professions Scholarship Program. As part of this opportunity, KeeLeigh completed the Army Direct Commission Course, an intensive program designed to introduce medical professionals to basic Army procedures and resources.

KeeLeigh trained alongside a diverse group of peers—including spine and orthopedic surgeons, dentists, and fellow veterinary students—learning the fundamentals of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and participating in realistic scenario-based exercises. The course also included a broad scope of training, from basic rifleman skills to chemical, radiological, biological, and nuclear warfare training.

Her future plans include joining the Army upon graduation as a 64A Field Veterinary Service Officer after completing a one-year rotating internship. In this role, she will provide veterinary care to service members’ pets and military working animals, as well as conduct inspections of facilities that the Department of Defense sources food from—combining public health efforts with general veterinary practice.

Looking back, KeeLeigh said the highlight of her summer was “meeting my future peers that will be serving our country.” Her path reflects the spirit of service embraced by UGA College of Veterinary Medicine students—ready to make a difference in the lives of both people and animals wherever they are needed.