From Farm to Future: Ella Simonds’ Path to Veterinary Medicine

Gardner-Webb Senior Prepares to Bring Care and Compassion to Large Animals

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Growing up on a small farm in Gaston County, N.C., Ella Simonds, a senior at Gardner-Webb University, knows firsthand the need for large animal veterinarians in her community. For as long as she remembers, her goal has been to become a veterinarian and provide care to livestock and other animals.

During her college search, she visited GWU because her mom had attended the Hunt School of Nursing. After the tour, Simonds sensed that the people she met would be dedicated to helping her achieve her goals. “I was drawn in by the small community that prioritized my spiritual walk as well as my education,” she observed.

Additionally, Gardner-Webb’s biomedical science major had all of the necessary prerequisites for veterinary school. “I also heard great things about the professors and faculty in this department (natural sciences) before attending and have not been disappointed,” Simonds noted.

A December 2024 graduate, she has completed her veterinary school applications for the fall 2025 admission cycle. It will be late February-early March before she finds out if she has been accepted. In the meantime, she will continue working as a vet tech at Gaston Veterinary Hospital. She started there two years ago as a kennel tech.

As she studied microbiology, biochemistry, vertebrate zoology, chemistry and other courses at Gardner-Webb, Simonds also valued the growth she experienced as an individual. “I have been able to develop as a person in so many ways, including academically, vocationally, and most importantly, spiritually,” she observed. “I feel very well prepared for the future.”

She continued, “When I came here, I was shy and timid, but I am leaving confident and empowered with a great sense of self-assurance. I know academically I am prepared for the field I want to pursue, but more than that I have matured in so many ways. Not everything has been easy, but I have had so many opportunities to get out of my comfort zone and try new things which have ultimately contributed to my success.”

Simonds credits everyone in the Department of Natural Sciences for helping her achieve her goals. “They have each pushed me to do my best at pursuing a challenging degree and have made me see the best in myself,” she related. “They have guided me in the different aspects and options for my academic pursuits after my undergraduate degree. They have helped me with necessary practical tasks such as editing resumes and writing letters of recommendations. Overall, each of the professors have been very approachable and have a genuine desire for me to succeed, and they go above and beyond to ensure exactly that.”

Simonds also appreciates opportunities to participate in campus ministries, such as the women’s Bible study groups and the Gathering, student-led worship service. “Having time weekly to sit down and worship with a room full of my peers was an incredible experience,” she assessed. “I also have had the opportunity to sing with the Gathering band and lead this group in praising the Lord. This has been an incredible experience that I won’t forget.”

She describes Gardner-Webb as a tight-knit community where friendships grow and faculty are committed to helping students succeed. “The relationships and connections I have developed while at Gardner-Webb have been such a blessing in my life that I am forever grateful for,” she affirmed. “I have met my very best friends during my time here—from late night study sessions, Cook-Out runs, walking around the lake, movie nights, and so many more memories—that I will hold on to forever.”

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.