Whitehead receives Merck Leadership Scholarship

Anecia Whitehead

LMU-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM) is proud to announce that Anecia Whitehead, Class of 2027 Silver, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship. 

“Whitehead's achievements are a source of pride for LMU-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine, and we look forward to witnessing the continued impact of her leadership in the years to come,” said Dean Stacy Anderson, DVM, PhD, DACVS-LA. 

Whitehead's contributions to the advancement of diversity and inclusion at LMU-CVM have been recognized on a national level. Initially awarded at $5,000, the scholarship amount has been increased to $8,000, underscoring the significance of Whitehead's efforts and the profound impact she has made within the veterinary community. 

The Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship acknowledges students who have demonstrated a remarkable record of contributing to the advancement of diversity and inclusion at AAVMC member institutions. Whitehead's consistent advocacy has not only made a significant impact within her institution but also resonated with the broader veterinary community. 

This financial support serves as a token of appreciation for Whitehead's ongoing efforts and as encouragement for her to continue her invaluable work. 

“This scholarship means so much to me,” Whitehead stated. “Growing up as a ‘gifted child’ I was always immersed in classes with very few other students who looked like me. It continued through undergraduate and graduate school. But my goal has never changed. And that goal is to build diversity in those settings and pave the way for myself and future pre-veterinary students. This scholarship proves to me that I am doing great and to keep going! I appreciate Lincoln Memorial University-CVM for allowing that space to grow and to represent such an amazing institution that has given me so much.”  

Whitehead is from Frederick, Maryland, and is interested in small animal and exotics general practice and surgery. Outside of school, she participates in Aerial Dance as an instructor, cooking new dishes, and catching up with family and friends. She has a Visa named Dante.  

Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The LMU-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine is located on LMU’s main campus in Harrogate, Tennessee, with additional academic facilities in nearby Lee County, Virginia. LMU-CVM is an integral part of the University’s medical programs and provides real-world, community-based education in a collaborative learning environment. For more information about LMU-CVM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 6600 or visit us online at vetmed.LMUnet.edu.

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