An Augusta County native who was one of the first graduates of Virginia Tech’s veterinary college was recently honored with the title of professor emeritus.
William “Terry” Swecker, a 1976 graduate of Stuarts Draft High School, retired July 1 from the Blacksburg university.
Swecker developed a desire to work in agriculture and farming while growing up in Augusta County.
“I had the opportunity to work on my uncle’s farm with cattle and sheep,” Swecker told AFP. “I also participated in 4-H and livestock activities while in elementary and high school.”
Swecker said he began his studies at Virginia Tech in the business department but transferred to animal sciences one year later. He graduated from Tech in 1980.
His graduation “aligned with the starting of the new veterinary school in Blacksburg,” he said. “I spent a few years in a mixed practice in Botetourt County but headed back to Tech and got a Ph.D. in nutrition.”
A member of the Virginia Tech community for more than 34 years, Swecker served as the director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Among his noted accomplishments was adding a veterinary social work position, facilitating the development of small animal and critical care and leading the hospital during the COVID-19 crisis.
Swecker, a professor of large animal clinical sciences in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, taught a wide variety of graduate courses.
“In reflection, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with many great people in agriculture in the Valley, but across the country and globe,” Swecker said.
“The passion and desire that farmers and food animal veterinarians have for the land and their animals is global. Probably even more noticeable on a frigid day like today. They all have my respect.”
Swecker lives in Blacksburg.
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Crystal Graham
