Alana Alexander-Giles’s love for horses runs deep.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore senior, who is majoring in general agriculture with a pre-veterinary concentration, has been active in many horse-related activities, ranging from equestrian events to horse rescue initiatives.
“Horses have always been my favorite,” the Ellicott City native said. “I want to eventually work in equine medicine.”
Alexander-Giles’s decision to attend UMES was initially driven by a golf scholarship while majoring in pre-veterinary studies. Ultimately, she knew she made the right choice after meeting with Dr. Kimberly Braxton, associate professor in the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences.
“I just really enjoyed hearing Dr. Braxton’s story of also being a student-athlete and her ability to balance her time as a pre-vet major,” Alexander-Giles said. “I felt she was someone who could help me with my goals and achieve what I wanted to achieve.”
During her time at UMES, Alexander-Giles has been involved in various organizations such as the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANNRS) and a 10-week research internship at Virginia Tech in the summer of 2025.
“Alana is a dedicated and well-rounded student who has been passionate about her work,” said Braxton, a UMES graduate and former volleyball player who also majored in pre-veterinary studies. “With her experience being an athlete, she understands the importance of work ethic and giving the necessary effort she puts into everything she does.”
Throughout her experience in the pre-vet field, Alexander-Giles said one of the things she valued was her ability to connect with others in the field, which can create lasting benefits.
“Networking is important,” she said. “You never know what opportunities you’ll find by speaking with people who were once in your shoes and who can guide you in the right direction.”
After earning her undergraduate degree this spring, Alexander-Giles plans to take the next step in her career path by attending veterinary school to work towards her goal of a career in equine medicine.
There’s potential for her to do so close to home as the University works to establish a school of veterinary medicine (UMES SVM), which would be the first at a public Historically Black College & University and Maryland’s first veterinary school.
The opening of the school is pending accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association, which will visit UMES during the week of June 21-26, 2026.
Alexander-Giles said the historical significance of UMES opening a school of veterinary medicine is one that isn’t lost on her.
“It’s an incredible moment, especially when you look at the political climate, to see this be possible,” she said. “I think if there’s a chance to be in that first cohort, it would be an interesting to see how things develop and possibly being able to shape the future of the vet school.”
