VMCVM Faculty Spotlight: Mark Elghossain
Mark Elghossain
Associate Director of Major Gifts, Office of Advancement
When did you join the veterinary college?
December 2025
The best part of being a faculty is?
I'm consistently inspired by people caring for animals - it is really meaningful to be a part of an organization that helps so many people and animals.
Best advice I've gotten...
When you share appreciation for someone - be sincere about it! People can read B.S.
How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline?
Uplifting our supporters who make a huge difference for our students and the animals we treat.
My hidden talent...
I can make some mean guacamole.
A person who has inspired me...
I had a mentor named Nashad Warfield when I was a teenager - he helped me with public speaking, leadership, breaking out of my shell etc. I am now 32 years old and still think about those principles I learned daily.
Words of encouragement to a current veterinary college student...
I've met with donors and clients who are blown away by the compassion that was shown to them during some of their most difficult times/having their pets euthanized. How you treat people during those difficult times will mean everything.
If I had a superpower, it would be...
Considering how high gas prices are right now, I think being able to fly would be the most economically feasible superpower for my family at this point.
This excites me the most about the future of my industry...
I've had really good experiences with the vets that have taken care of my first ever dog. I'm excited to see how the next generation of vets will be able to learn and improve on what's already been done.
A cause I'm most passionate about...
Being a dad - most important cause of my life! We have a 2-year-old daughter at home and my wife and I are blessed to be her parents. We're trying hard not to screw her up too much.
Favorite way to end the day...
Once we finally get our toddler to bed and have a full 14 minutes to ourselves, I like to dim the lights, enjoy a warm cup of tea, and play PlayStation 5 until my eyes close.
Top of my bucket list...
I think it would be a lot of fun to explore Europe!
My favorite quote...
"It isn't about you." (from the Dr. Strange film)
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
We've got two large dogs at home, Beasley and Reina. All they want to do is play ball 24/7 - (we are very thankful for our chuck-it.) I named my dog Beasley after Pam Beesly from The Office! She was my first ever dog and got her as a puppy the first week of the pandemic. :) She's helped me through some tough times.
Anything else to add?
During my undergrad at Virginia Tech, I was on the co-ed cheerleading team and got to be in the HokieBird a handful of times! Really fun experiences.
