HIRE brings together two Boilermakers with a passion for veterinary medicine
Just over two months into being matched through the HIRE (Helping Individuals Reach Excellence) program, Ava Kirchoff says her mentor, Kelli Werling, DVM, has already helped her navigate early academic decisions. Werling, a 2024 Distinguished Early Career Purdue Animal Sciences Alumna, now serves as Director of the Animal Programs Division and Swine Health Programs at the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. She shared that mentoring has renewed her enthusiasm for the profession.
Their first meeting took place over fall break at a pizza restaurant, and it quickly turned into an easy conversation about Purdue traditions, pre-vet experiences and course planning, laying the foundation for a supportive mentorship. The pair plans to meet in person for each check-in and have prioritized face-to-face conversations whenever schedules and weather allow.
Kirchoff, a first-year animal sciences student, said the most valuable guidance so far has been learning she doesn’t need to overwork herself to be competitive for veterinary school.
“If it’s going to make you miserable, it isn't worth it,” Kirchoff recalled from their early discussion about adding a business minor and other academic plans.
According to Kirchoff, the perspective has helped ease the pressure many pre-vet students feel to say yes to everything.
Werling, who received her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences in 2013 and her DVM in 2017, said seeing Kirchoff’s excitement has been energizing.
“Viewing the field through her eyes brings back a fresh sense of passion for veterinary medicine,” Werling said.
Their conversations have consisted of Purdue roots, academics and broader career possibilities beyond traditional clinical roles. Kirchoff said learning about the variety of careers within veterinary medicine and animal sciences has been reassuring early in her college experience.
“It’s nice to know there are so many directions I can go and still be successful and happy,” Kirchoff said.
Werling hopes the HIRE program continues to give first-year students a place to feel supported. Kirchoff agreed, noting that the mentorship helps a large campus feel a little smaller.
“It’s another way to meet people who share your interests and make you feel less alone in a new place,” Kirchoff said.
ABOUT HIRE
HIRE is a student-led initiative created by the Purdue Animal Sciences Ambassadors’s mentoring committee to connect undergraduates with alumni and industry professionals for mentorship, networking and career development. The program was co-founded by Lillian Andis, Will Eberhart and alumna Madison Butz.
Andis said her motivation came from her own experiences.
“Growing up, I didn’t have a mentor or role model to guide me. I was figuring things out on my own,” Andis said. “Once I found my first mentor, I flourished. I grew exponentially and realized how life-changing it can be when someone invests in your growth. That experience drives me to give back, and that’s why I’m passionate about creating those same opportunities for others through HIRE.”
Eberhart said he helped launch the program because he wanted students to have the kind of support he wished existed when he arrived on campus.
“When the mentoring committee was founded, we all agreed that alumni relations and mentoring was something our department could work on,” Eberhart said. “Both groups—students and alumni—are heavily interested in working with each other, but they just needed someone to connect them, so I, along with the other two co-founders, did our part to bridge that gap."
Eberhart noted that HIRE allows students to build meaningful relationships with mentors they might otherwise meet only once in a classroom.
“HIRE gives our mentees access to immensely talented industry professionals and provides a structure that allows the fostering of a more personal connection,” Eberhart said.
Andis said watching the program grow has been rewarding.
“So many have shared stories of personal growth, increased confidence and meaningful connections,” Andis said. “Seeing HIRE flourish has been a reminder of what’s possible when passion, purpose and people come together.”
The mentoring committee is already working on improvements to strengthen and expand the program for next year.
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