Class of 2026: Ruth Haile carries family tradition into veterinary medicine

Name: Ruth Haile

College: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Major/minor: Majoring in animal and poultry sciences with a minor in agricultural and applied economics

Hometown: Hanover, Virginia

Plans after graduation: Haile will attend the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine as part of the Class of 2030. She plans to become a mixed animal veterinarian and continue her family’s commercial cow-calf operation.

Favorite Hokie memory: “It’s hard to pick a single favorite memory from Virginia Tech! It's the everyday moments that have made the biggest impact, including making friendships that will last a lifetime, leading club meetings, working early mornings at the barn, helping teach handling labs, and traveling with the Virginia Tech livestock judging team across the country.”

More than a career — a calling

Ruth Haile grew up surrounded by veterinary medicine.

Having spent much of her life helping out at her family’s veterinary clinic and cow-calf operation, an education in animal and poultry sciences and veterinary care was always the plan. From a young age, Haile saw what it meant to care for animals and serve the people who depend on them.

After a childhood spent playing hide-and-seek in the kennel area and assisting with anesthesia, Haile had seen the challenges and rewards that come with her chosen career.

"Since dressing up as a veterinarian for kindergarten future career day, I have always known what I wanted to do," she said. “It's not simply about solving the animal’s problems. It's about building relationships and earning trust.”

It runs in the family

A fourth-generation Hokie, Haile only applied to one school. She knew Virginia Tech was where she belonged and would gain the knowledge and experiences she needed to meaningfully contribute to her family’s business. 

Once she arrived, she found exactly that and more. Haile said the School of Animal Sciences’ focus on experiential learning, practical courses, dedicated faculty mentorship, and forming valuable relationships with agricultural organizations gave her both the knowledge she needed and the skills to apply it.

But being a Hokie was not simply preparation for vet school. It reinforced her foundational values of hard work, service, and commitment.

"Virginia Tech furthered my understanding of the profession and helped me prepare for the next steps not only in vet school, but also in life.” 

These newfound skills paid off. Haile was named a 2026 Outstanding Senior in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences earlier this month.

Impactful involvement

Outside of the classroom, Haile invested her time heavily in student organizations that connected her to the agriculture industry and helped her grow as a leader. She explored topics she was passionate about through clubs and organizations like Block and Bridle, Collegiate Beef Leadership, Swine Club, and the livestock judging team. 

Serving in officer and chair positions across multiple organizations allowed her to refine her skills in communications, responsibility, event planning, leading teams, and mentoring younger members.

“A lot of my education extended beyond the classroom, through the people I worked with, the responsibilities I have held, and my experiences in the community,” she said.

Advice for the next Hokie generation

Haile encourages other students to take advantage of every opportunity they are offered at Virginia Tech. Applying for scholarships, seeking out new experiences, and getting involved can open doors that may not have been expected, she explained. 

"Hard work and dedication are critical, but willingness to ask questions, seek guidance, and step outside of your comfort zone are also vital,” she said. "Stay open to new opportunities and make the most of your time at Virginia Tech. It will enhance the experience and lead to greater success after graduation."