During the 2022-23 academic year, we are highlighting one Colorado State University student or alum from each of Colorado’s 64 counties. The Centennial State’s land grant university has a connection to the diverse lands and people from the counties of Moffat to Baca, Montezuma to Sedgwick and everywhere in between.

Ashley Metcalfe

Major: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (2019 graduate)

Why I chose CSU: CSU has always had a great reputation for sculpting some of the greatest veterinarians.  It was a no brainer to stay in state and learn from the best.

My favorite thing about CSU: Community

Clubs/organizations in college: Shelter Club, Internal Medicine Club and Dentistry Club

Favorite achievement: My favorite memory in vet school was working with Dr. (Danielle) Straatmann performing spay/neuter and outreach opportunities in Todos Santos, Mexico.

Favorite instructor: Dr. Sarah Shropshire. She genuinely understood and respected that although being taught the “gold standard” care pets at CSU receive, that not everyone can afford that kind of care. She encouraged us to have not only a Plan A and B but also C!

Career goals: Upon graduating, my biggest goal was to hit the ground running in my community. As most communities across the nation, we are experiencing a veterinary shortage so the demand for quality, compassionate care is high. At three years out, I made the leap to purchase the veterinary clinic I started working at. My newest goal, aside from continuing the private practice work I love, is to open a spay/neuter clinic within my community!

I’d like to thank: All of the support staff within the VTH. Yes, the instructors and doctors provide top notch, quality education, but I see how little appreciation the technicians and other support staff receive. They’re truly the backbone.

Favorite NOCO food or hangout: Maxline! Being so close to the VTH, you’d often find me there after a shift to finish up computer work while enjoying a food truck and great beer.

Favorite CSU tradition: I’ll be honest, not doing undergraduate at CSU, I definitely missed out on most of the CSU traditions. Through the vet program, I really enjoyed working with the clubs for CSU’s Veterinary Outreach Day at the VTH.

Quirky fact: I’m the oldest of 21 grandchildren.

What do you tell people from Fremont County about CSU: I often remind them that CSU is much more than just a school. CSU has SO many outreach programs and extension offices including one in my home county.

Something to know about Fremont County: It’s quite the hidden gem. We are proud of our community that is a vibrant, outdoor community with opportunity for social, outdoor, athletic and volunteer activities. We offer many of the benefits of small-town living while providing the amenities of many larger cities. Canon City is home to a wide range of outdoor activities from hiking, fishing (102 miles of Gold Medal fishing), climbing, biking (60+ miles of mountain bike and running trails), rafting and skiing/snowboarding within an hours drive.

Role/influence of CSU Extension: CSU has a huge influence on our 4-H program. Being a more agriculture-based community, this is a HUGE asset for our youth.

Biggest adversity you’ve overcome at CSU: While at CSU and for many years prior, I underwent numerous hip surgeries (post soft tissue and orthopedic). I honestly thought I’d have to take a full year off of my education when I heard I’d need to have my pelvis broken and screwed back together to correct my hip dysplasia. With the support of Deb Liptak, I was able to graduate with my class and start my career only months behind schedule.