Students in the Blue Cohort of the Class of 2029 at Lincoln Memorial University-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM) celebrated a major milestone in their veterinary education during the annual White Coat Ceremony held on September 18, 2026 in Tex Turner Arena.
Surrounded by family, friends, faculty and mentors, 103 students received their white coats, a symbol of their commitment to the responsibilities, ethics and professionalism of veterinary medicine.
"Today's White Coat Ceremony marks an important step in the professional journey of our Blue Cohort students," said Dr. Stacy Anderson, dean of LMU-CVM. "Over the past year, they have developed the knowledge, skills and resilience needed to succeed in veterinary medicine. As they put on their white coats, they embrace the responsibility of serving animals and the people who depend on them. We are excited to see the impact they will make in the profession and their communities."
Since entering the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program in August 2025, members of the Blue Cohort have spent the past year developing the scientific knowledge, clinical skills, and professional foundation needed for success in veterinary medicine.
The ceremony reflected LMU-CVM's commitment to preparing practice-ready veterinarians through hands-on learning, clinical experiences and mentorship. As students donned their white coats, they joined a tradition that recognizes both their progress in the program and their growing responsibility to care for animals and support the people who depend on them.
Dr. Victoria Shamblin, a 2018 LMU-CVM graduate, delivered the keynote address, encouraging students to embrace challenges, pursue lifelong learning and lead with compassion throughout their careers.
For the Blue Cohort, the White Coat Ceremony was both a celebration of how far they have come and a reminder of the work ahead. As future veterinarians, they will continue building the skills and experience needed to make a difference in the lives of animals, their owners and the communities they serve.
Photos from the White Coat Ceremony are available to view here.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.
