Ashley Caraway came to Midwestern State University with a clear career goal, but she left with something more: confidence, leadership skills, and a voice she didn’t know she had.
A Spring 2026 graduate from the McCoy College of Science, Mathematics & Engineering, Caraway earned her degree in biology while building the foundation for a future in veterinary care.
Caraway, a Wichita Falls native, has a tight-knit family. She knew at a young age that she wanted to pursue a career working with animals and hoped to stay close to home for college. While MSU Texas doesn’t offer a dedicated veterinary program, its science program made it a practical and appealing choice.
Throughout her time at MSU Texas, Caraway found support and encouragement within the biology department. She noticed her professors took her seriously and pushed her to get more involved, which led her to join multiple student organizations and honor societies. Those experiences helped shape her confidence and leadership skills.
She credits professors Roy Vogtsberger and Michael Shipley, and McCoy College Dean Robert Brennan for their influence in her development.
The smaller, more intimate classes appealed to Caraway at MSU Texas. The personalized learning environment allowed her to build meaningful relationships with both professors and students.
“Most classes are probably 20 students, and so you get individual work with your professor, and they know you,” Caraway said. “You have more of a relationship with your professors, and it helps you in the long run.”
Caraway’s interest in science was influenced by her parents, both nurses. While she shared their desire to help others, she wanted to find her own path. Growing up around animals and participating in FFA (Future Farmers of America) in high school deepened her passion for veterinary care.
At MSU Texas, that interest developed alongside her
growing confidence as a student and a leader.
“I realized that I have a voice in the department, and when students tell me things, I can voice that to higher-ups, and I believe that had an impact on my leadership and me as a person,” Caraway said.
In addition to her academic and campus involvement, Caraway gained hands-on experience working at a local veterinary clinic beginning in spring 2024. She started as a kennel assistant and was later promoted to veterinary assistant. She now plans to continue in that role full-time, with increased involvement in surgery.
After gaining more experience, she plans to attend veterinary school and graduate within five years to begin her career as a veterinarian.
Caraway said the biology program helped prepare her for the realities of the field, including its emotional challenges. While aspects like supporting grieving pet owners can be difficult, she believes the communication skills and confidence she developed will help her navigate those moments.
“It’s just so great to see how far we have come and for all our hard work and academic success to be recognized,” Caraway said of graduating alongside her classmates.
Looking back, Caraway emphasizes that setbacks are a natural part of the college experience and shouldn’t define a student’s individual path. Instead of giving up, her advice is to learn from the experience and try again with a new approach.
“One bad grade doesn’t mean that’s your bad grade for the rest of the year, or for the rest of your life. One bad thing can happen during the semester — whether you lost a friend, or failed a class — but you can always try again,” Caraway said.
She also encourages students not to measure their success against others. By focusing on her own growth and embracing her individuality, Caraway found success — not only in earning her degree, but in becoming a confident leader with a clear sense of purpose.
Ashley Caraway at the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony on May 16, 2026 at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. Commencement photos by Dylan Gandy/MSU Texas (photo to left courtesy of Ashley Caraway)