By Hannah Kelly ’26
Dr. Ashlynn Turner ’14 is back where her passion for veterinary medicine began — at Grace Animal Hospital in Lexington, South Carolina.
While at Wofford, Turner interned at Grace. The experience inspired her to go to veterinary school. Studying abroad in Australia and South Africa piqued her global interest.
“Although I hadn’t yet applied to veterinary school, the Grace team treated me as a future veterinarian, involving me with patients and cases.” Turner reflects. “I loved the study abroad experiences so much that I decided I wanted to pursue a career with global reach, and this led me to join the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps.”
Turner most recently served as sole veterinarian for Naval Support Activity Bahrain and Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, one of the military’s largest working dog kennels. She settled back home earlier this year.
“I wasn’t completely ready to give up my duties as a soldier when I decided to return to South Carolina to be closer to my family, and this led me to transition to an Army Reserve unit,” Turner says. “Now, I have the privilege to serve the Lexington community at Grace while continuing my service as veterinarian in the Reserves.”
As her journey resumes at Grace, Turner credits her Wofford professors for inspiring her career.
“The professors at Wofford are always available and eager to assist,” Turner says. “They are, in my humble opinion, the best in the world.”