The College of Science is preparing for the Fall 2021 Commencement, where over 300 STEM-focused students will be honored as part of the newest graduating class of the University of North Texas. We are especially excited for this year's commencement address, which will be delivered by UNT alumna Dr. Erin Tate. The ceremony will begin at 7:30 pm on Friday, December 10, 2021 and can be live-streamed here.
"I am thrilled to speak at the UNT College of Science commencement this year," said Dr. Tate. "As a kid of a University of North Texas professor and a student of this university there is no greater honor. I hope sharing my story will inspire others to lead their best life after graduation!"
For nearly three years now, Dr. Tate has been a member of the College of Science Advancement Board, a group of dedicated alumni and friends that meet regularly to discuss fundraising and other initiatives that will help advance education and research in our college. As the newly elected board chair, Dr. Tate brings a wealth of leadership and knowledge to the table, and she was asked by the Dean to share some of her compelling story and experience with the 2021 graduating class.
"Dr. Tate is part of an important and impactful profession that a degree from the College of Science can lead to - taking care of the medical needs of our dear pets within our families," said Dean Pamela Padilla. "I greatly appreciate all of the work Dr. Tate does for the College of Science alongside her successful practice, and I am pleased that she will be delivering the commencement address to our newest graduates."
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."
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 UNT, 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.
A natural leader and innovator, Dr. Tate recently took on the role of chair for the COS Advancement Board. Her goals include fundraising and increasing public awareness of the accomplishments in the math and science departments and institutes at UNT.
"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!"
We look forward to hosting Dr. Tate at UNT this weekend for commencement and extend our sincerest congratulations to all the students who will be graduating on Friday. We know they have a bright future ahead of them. To learn more about how to get involved with the College of Science's Advancement Board or how to make a gift to the university with the most impact, please contact Meghan Dours in the Dean's Office.