How Emily King Inspires a New Generation of Veterinarians
The Power T cap, orange and white checkerboard overalls, orange walls in her veterinary practice—Emily King weaves the Volunteer Spirit in all aspects of her life, including her successful Instagram (@dremilyking) and TikTok accounts (@dr.emily.king). An Indiana native, King was a four-year scholarship player on the James Madison University basketball team, where she was the top free-throw scorer in school history. After graduation, King planned to pursue a master’s degree in marine biology until a mentor advised her to consider veterinary medicine because it would open more doors for her. The social media influencer agrees, “And boy has it.”
A member of the UTCVM Class of 1996, King’s affection for the veterinary college continues to grow stronger with time. She met her husband, Richard, while at UT, and they have five boys. Her journey, marked by passion and purpose, is shaped by the classrooms, treatment rooms, and community she experienced at UT.
Returning to campus earlier this year, King experienced an unmistakable sense of belonging. “When I walk back into this building,” she reflects, “my first thought is always ‘What an opportunity this school gave me.’ The teachers, clients, and patients I met here all played a part in making me who I am today.”
On her visit, King engaged with current veterinary students who will soon shape the profession. They are the profession’s future, brimming with enthusiasm and hope. King recognizes this energy and understands how vital it is for the profession. “I’m here to share their enthusiasm and remind them to carry that joy into their careers. It’s something our industry needs more than ever right now.” This call to nurture joy and positivity is central to King’s message as she talks to students across the country. Veterinary medicine is more than a career; it’s a profession that demands both expertise and heart.
King’s love for UT is woven into her daily life and professional identity. Now practicing in Indiana, she has infused her clinic with UT orange. “My practice is orange everywhere,” she says, laughing. “People may not get it at first, but once they learn I’m a UT grad, it makes sense. It’s a feeling—you bleed orange, and you do until the day you die as a UT grad.”
“Everything I experienced here as a student created opportunities for what I am doing today.” King encourages others to mentor young graduates because the profession is more than diagnostics and drug doses. “Younger vets need guidance, not just in medicine but in communication, resilience, ethical decision-making, and navigating the emotional weight of this profession. That kind of wisdom doesn’t come from textbooks—it comes from people who’ve lived it.” King likens mentorship to parenting. “When you invest deeply in someone’s growth, you become connected to their success. The more time, energy, and heart you put into mentoring, the more likely you are to love the outcome—not just in who they become as a doctor but in who they become as a person. It’s legacy, not just leadership.”
King embodies what it means to be a true Volunteer: giving back, inspiring others, and celebrating the place where it all began. She reminds every student that the orange thread running through their lives is not just a color but a symbol of pride, joy, and lifelong belonging.
Post-graduation Truths from @dremilyking
- You are more than a veterinarian.
- You are worthy because you are human.
- When it comes to measuring success, make sure you understand what metrics you should be using.
- Mistakes are going to happen—it’s what you do after that matters.
- How you respond to adversity is a reflection upon your character.
- Be a fountain, not a drain, in your clinic.
- Every time you say yes to something, you are saying no to something else.
- Be decisive, not because you aren’t worried about mistakes but because you know you will be able to handle whatever happens. It is better to act than to wait and regret.
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