After graduating from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Animal Science), Gabriel Platas set his sights on becoming a veterinarian. He continued his education at Texas A&M University, where he recently earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in May 2026.
During veterinary school, Gabriel focused on rural and mixed animal medicine while expanding his knowledge in public health. He became Certified in Public Health (CPH), completed an externship with the Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases, and served as a representative for the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation, advocating for veterinary student support and accessible veterinary care.
Gabriel credits TAMUK’s close-knit community and dedicated faculty for helping prepare him for success. Through hands-on experiences in the classroom, laboratories, and university farm, he developed a strong foundation in livestock management that he continues to apply in his veterinary practice today. He credits Dr. Michelle Garcia and his involvement in the Ronald E. McNair Undergraduate Research Program as instrumental in shaping his passion for veterinary medicine and lifelong learning.
Outside of academics, Gabriel was highly involved on campus through Delta Chi Fraternity. Today, he remains committed to supporting future students as President of the Delta Chi Kingsville Chapter Alumni Board of Trustees, where he mentors undergraduate members and helps prepare them for life after college through professional development and leadership opportunities.
Now practicing as a rural veterinarian near Kingsville, Gabriel is continuing his education by pursuing a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Veterinary Public Health at the University of Tennessee. His long-term goal is to become a board-certified veterinarian in preventive medicine, focusing on public health, infectious diseases, epidemiology, and food safety.
His advice to current Javelinas: “Invest your time in things that promote well-being in your personal life and advance your academic and professional career. Your time as a student is valuable, so make the most of every opportunity.”
We are proud to celebrate Gabriel’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing the impact he will continue to make in veterinary medicine and public health.
