Three SAU students selected for Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s historic inaugural class
MAGNOLIA, AR (07/30/2026) Southern Arkansas University is proud to announce that three of its students, Cade Browning, Katelyn McKeehan, and Katelyn Mason, have been accepted into the inaugural class at the Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Admission into this newly established doctoral program is exceptionally competitive. The three SAU selections met rigorous GPA benchmarks and strict limits on course retakes, demonstrating academic excellence through distinct pathways. Browning secured early admission into the doctoral program without first completing a bachelor’s degree, a route ASU permits for exceptional candidates who fulfill all required prerequisites. He transitioned into the program after completing 106 hours of his 127-hour undergraduate degree plan at SAU.
McKeehan and Mason both graduated cum laude from SAU this spring, earning Bachelor of Science degrees in agricultural science with a pre-veterinary track. Both completed all required prerequisites to secure their positions in the incoming class.
Beyond their academic achievements, the three students reflect the leadership and student life SAU fosters. All were active members of the SAU Pre-Veterinary Club, where Mason served as a President’s Ambassador for the 2025-2026 academic year. McKeehan and Mason were also involved in campus Greek life, as members of Sigma Alpha and Phi Mu, respectively. Browning distinguished himself as a student-athlete for Mulerider Athletics baseball, earning recognition on the Great American Conference Academic Honor Roll.
The ASU College of Veterinary Medicine’s four-year curriculum features a robust preclinical framework. Students will complete three years of on-campus preclinical education, followed by a final 12-month series of clinical rotations across Arkansas and the Mid-South region.
SAU congratulates these three Muleriders as they begin this milestone in veterinary medicine.
For information on earning a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science with a pre-veterinary track, contact Dr. Copie Moore or visit saumag.edu/agriculture.
About SAU: Southern Arkansas University provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees across four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to meet the needs of today’s career and professional trends. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.