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2023 Graduate and Professional Programs Commencement
May 6, 2023  |  9:30 a.m.
Daniel "Chappie" James Arena

Speaker: Jerome B. Williams, DVM '68 '69
Owner and Veterinarian, Red Mountain Animal Clinic, Birmingham, AL


Dr. Jerome B. Williams
Williams

Dr. Jerome B. Williams is the immediate past President Pro Tempore (Chairman), of the Alabama A & M University Board of Trustees; a position he held from 2018 to 2022. He began his service on the Board of Trustees of Alabama A & M University in 2010 and served dutifully at the request of three Governors of the State of Alabama.

A native of Beloit in Dallas County Alabama, where he completed grade and high school, and after spending a year at Alabama A&M University, Dr. Jerome B. Williams graduated from Tuskegee Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 1968 and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1969.

He began his medical practice in Chicago at the Stresser Animal Hospital and Southtown Animal Hospital while becoming Supervisory of Veterinary Medical at USDA, APHIS in Illinois. Additionally, he holds a license to practice Veterinary Medicine in Alabama, Illinois, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana.

In 1975, he returned to Alabama to establish the Red Mountain Animal Clinic in Homewood, where he continues to practice today. When horse racing came to Birmingham in 1981, he served as Deputy Chief Veterinarian for the Racing Commission until horse racing was suspended in 1985.

The TV station, Birmingham Fox 6, came calling in 1999 to begin his highly rated segment, “Ask the Pet Doctor,” on Good Day Alabama; in addition, since 2009, he has Co-Produced/Co-Hosted the equally popular “Veterinary Specials Segment.” He is also a member of the Veterinary News Network (VNN).

After more than a decade of work with the Professional Wellness Program, he became Director of the Alabama Veterinary Professionals Wellness Program. With this nationally and internationally recognized program, he spends considerable time and energy working with veterinary professionals/staff and others dealing with depression, drug/alcohol abuse, and suicide prevention.

Dr. Williams has been involved with several professional and community based organizations, many in leadership positions. They include: American Veterinary Medical Association, Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, Jefferson County Veterinary Medical Association, Medical Association Veterinary News Network, The American Society of Veterinary Journalists, Alabama Veterinary Professionals Wellness Program, Magic City Boys Club, Jefferson County Veterinary Medical Association (JCVMA), Focus On Recovery, Hand In Paw, Ƶ School of Veterinary Medicine Deans Advisory Council, and its Alumni Executive Council. He has numerous publications and is quoted by local and national media.

He is the founder and Executive Director of the Red Mountain Wellness and Restoration Foundation and Founder and President of the Dream Scholarship Initiative. Since 2010, he has served on the Board of Trustees and is President of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation.

He is a Life Member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (The Boulé), Ƶ Alumni Association, and Alabama A&M University Alumni Associations.

In addition to being claimed by the many young students and professionals he has mentored over the years, he treasures the time spent with his four children and eight grandchildren. He likes to travel, read, meditate, garden, and spend time on the lake for relaxation.

   

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