Madison Glover, an animal and nutritional sciences student at West Virginia University‘s Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, has balanced research, leadership and campus involvement, all while graduating a semester early.
A native of Marklesburg, Pennsylvania, Glover has always had a lifelong passion for animal care, a passion that inspired her to pursue a pre-veterinary track.
“I’ve grown up around animals my entire life, so veterinary medicine has always felt like a very natural path for me,” Glover said. “I chose the pre-veterinary track at WVU Davis College because it aligned perfectly with the type of hands-on, animal-focused education I wanted.”
During her time as a student, Glover found that her friendships and mentorships at WVU played a huge part in her academic success.
“Dr. Minch has been one of the biggest mentors in my undergraduate journey. Her support, guidance and belief in me made a huge difference,” Glover said. “I also owe a lot to my friends here at WVU.”
“It’s been a pleasure having Maddie in the classroom. She’s curious, has a great work ethic and always wants to learn more,” Margaret Minch, teaching professor of veterinary medicine, WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, added.
Beyond the classroom, Glover interned at veterinary clinics, served as vice president of the Bruceton Mills Lions Club and most recently assisted at Brown Equine Hospital. These types of experiences not only strengthened her skills, but helped confirm her passion for veterinary medicine.
Glover also contributed to research at WVU Medicine, working alongside Dr. Khaled Shawwa, preparing her for real-world treatment.
“I had the opportunity to assist with continuous renal replacement therapy research alongside Dr. Khaled Shawwa through WVU Medicine. That was my first formal research experience, and it was incredibly insightful,” Glover said. “It introduced me to clinical decision-making and gave me experience working with data, patient histories and real-world treatment outcomes.”
Community service was another vital part of Glover’s academic success. Serving as vice president for the Lions Club, she learned leadership and humility while serving her rural community, values she says align closely with the role veterinarians play every day.
Looking back at her academic journey, Glover found that consistency and balance throughout her time at WVU were her proudest achievements.
“I’ve taken on heavy course loads, kept a high GPA, volunteered regularly, stayed involved in extracurriculars, completed research, and worked a part-time job, all at the same time. There’s no single accolade that recognizes that kind of persistence, but it’s the accomplishment that means the most to me,” Glover said. “WVU helped me become someone who doesn’t just meet expectations but consistently strives to exceed them, and someone who believes they’re ready for the next step in their career.”
After graduation, Glover plans to pursue veterinary school and is currently in the application and interview process. She hopes to begin in the fall of 2026.
“I want to be a trusted, hard-working veterinarian who shows up for people and their animals, while pursuing a career that challenges me, keeps me learning and makes a meaningful impact in the rural communities that shaped me,” Glover said.
The Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources envisions a West Virginia with healthy food, resilient natural resources, and thriving communities. To learn more about the Davis College, visit davis.wvu.edu. Keep up with the latest updates and news on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube by following @WVUDavis.
