Meet Dr. Erin Tate, UNT Alumna & Chair Elect of UNT Advancement Board | College of Science
July 14, 2020

Meet Dr. Erin Tate, UNT Alumna & Chair Elect of UNT Advancement Board

For the past twenty-one years, Dr. Erin Tate has been busy living her dream of helping animals. Her journey to a successful career began at the University of North Texas, where she graduated with an undergraduate degree in Biology in 1994 and went on to complete her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M in 1999. Her focus has been in small and exotic animal private practice ever since.

In 2004, Dr. Tate opened her first veterinary practice. With the success of her first CityVet clinic, she opened two more veterinary practices. Alongside managing these growing businesses and seeing her patients, she is also working to start a mentorship program to teach other veterinarians how to run and own a successful practice, too.

"I have been lucky enough to create three successful veterinary hospitals in Dallas over the last fifteen years," said Dr. Tate. "Taking my career as a veterinarian into owning my own business has been an accomplishment that I am so proud to have done successfully."

Dr. Tate knew she wanted to become a veterinarian from the time she was nine years old, when her cat died from feline leukemia. "I wanted to grow up and save sick animals from disease and suffering," she said. "I loved the sciences in high school, and was thrilled to obtain my bachelors in biology with a minor in chemistry from UNT. My time here allowed me to attend veterinary medical school at Texas A&M University and achieve the wonderful career I am fortunate to have today."

A natural leader and innovator, Dr. Tate was recently voted Chair Elect by her peers on the COS Advancement Board, a small but impactful group of alumni and donors that helps guide fundraising efforts in service of education and research initiatives within the college. Dr. Tate's goals include increasing public awareness of the accomplishments in the math and science departments and institutes at UNT. She was named Chair Elect during the same meeting Dr. Linda Truitt Creagh was voted the new Board Chair. Both are hopeful and excited to stimulate positive change for the Advancement Board and College of Science overall.

"I believe the sciences at UNT are unparalleled and can help society beat disease, unlock major scientific discoveries, and save the environment," said Dr. Tate. "If every alum shared their experience with even one or two people to encourage them to support the university that supported our careers, it could make a huge difference in educating the future!"

Born and raised in Denton, Dr. Erin Tate came from a proud UNT family. Her father began teaching as a professor in the UNT Department of Political Science in the 70s, and later served as a Regents Professor and the Dean of the Toulouse Graduate School. Upon enrolling at UNT, Dr. Tate joined the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, where she learned about leadership and teamwork and gained the confidence to follow her dreams.

"I was so excited to attend the university that my dad loved. I was happy UNT had new avenues to explore and a degree program to help me pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian," said Dr. Tate. "Because of my father and my experience at UNT, I really enjoy teaching students and employees how to be the best they can be in their field."

Dr. Tate also enjoys educating clients on the care and well-being of their animal companions. She is enthusiastic about building lasting relationships with people and their pets, and is known for her impeccable customer service. She cares for animals around the clock, including her own five felines, two canines, and a duo of tortoises named Jake and Eddie.

Dr. Tate's advice for future biology majors and hopeful veterinarians?

"Give it your all. Don't be afraid to work hard and work long hours to achieve your dream. It pays off so much faster if you don't give up and don't take any less than what you want for you! School is the best time of your life, and it prepares you for your best future and best version of you. For those of you wanting to become veterinarians: have a passion for your future! Find a strong mentor who will help you become a veterinarian people trust with their pet's care."

You can help the Advancement Board and the College of Science make a direct impact on the academic achievements of our students and research by making a donation online here, joining the board as an active member, or contacting Development Officer Meghan Dours at Meghan.Dours@unt.edu to learn more about how you can get involved with the future of scientific discovery.