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DeAndrea Peterson, proud granddaughter of Leotha and Cora Peterson, and daughter of Nikieta Peterson, graduated as a doctor of veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University College on May 4. Her graduation marked her inclusion as a part of the 2.1% of African American veterinarians in America. 

Peterson graduated from Central High School in 2015 and obtained her bachelor’s degree in animal bio-health sciences from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in 2019. The White Hall native became interested in the career field around the age of 11, and at age 15 she attended the annual veterinarian symposium at Tuskegee University to learn more about their programs. 

With initial intentions of attending Tuskegee for undergraduate courses, Peterson chose Alabama A&M University and graduated with honors. In 2020, she was accepted into the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2024, along with 70 other students.  

Navigating through veterinary school during COVID-19 and transitioning to in-person classes was not an easy task, but Peterson credits much of her success to family and friends who have supported her dreams throughout the years. 

Peterson said she knows that veterinary medicine is her calling, and that God would not present her with a dream if it was not meant for her. Upon graduating, Peterson will be working as a small animal veterinarian, with a strong interest in soft tissue surgery and exotics. 

She also has hopes of doing house calls for those who cannot make it to the clinic and to provide a less stressful environment for patients. She is undecided on whether she plans to stay close to home long-term, but she wishes to one day be able to provide low-cost veterinary care to the people of her hometown and their furbabies.