Panhandle Times

Two cattle experts are expected to help beef up the Veterinary Education, Research and Outreach program at Texas A&M with their vast experience in the fields of livestock production and beef cattle medicine.

A partnership between the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and West Texas A&M University led to the creation of the VERO program. Dr. Benjamin Newcomer and Dr. Jenna Funk joined a roster of up to 13 educators.

“We know the success of any academic program is built on the foundation of excellent faculty,” Dr. Walter Wendler, president of West Texas A&M University, said.

Newcomer, a graduate of the University of Florida, has a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and extensive experience in herd health medicine and veterinary clinical instruction, according to WT. Funk, an ambulatory animal health veterinary practitioner, is excited about the VERO program's commitment to offering students the kind of real-world experience necessary to be successful in their chosen veterinary fields.

"Dr. Newcomer is perhaps the most academically prepared clinical dairy management professor in the United States,” VERO Director Dr. Dee Griffin said. “Dr. Funk is not only an extremely talented beef veterinarian, but she also has a love for students."

Newcomer said Texas A&M’s rich tradition immediately intrigued him when the opportunity to work with the university presented itself.

"They're known for producing quality veterinary graduates and the VERO program is geographically situated in a growing area where there are lots of cattle where students can get hands-on experience,”  Newcomer told WT.

Funk and Newcomer will educate fourth-year veterinary students participating in clinical rotations within the Canyon area. The Texas Panhandle produces 80% of dairy products in the state and 25% all beef consumed nationwide is produced in the area, according to WT.