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Jolene graduated from NSAC with a BSc (Agr) in 2010, after which she completed an MSc in animal behaviour and welfare at the University of Guelph. She graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 2019 with her diploma in veterinary medicine.

She and her husband Alphonse own a dairy farm in Urbania, NS, where they milk Jerseys and Holsteins with a Delaval V300 robot. They raise their own replacement heifers and do their own breeding.

Jolene started working at the Faculty of Agriculture in 2021, where she teaches in the animal science and biovet programs, as well as the diploma in business management and veterinary technology programs. She also serves as the academic advisor to pre-vet students and as the faculty advisor for the pre-vet club on campus.

What is a typical workday like for you?

My workday in general is usually very animal focused. It starts with a wake-up call from my two dogs quickly followed by a coffee. I then head out to the barn to check all the cows and make sure there are no new calves or other surprises. Then it’s time to feed and care for my cats and after that, get ready to head into Dal AC. Every day at Dal can look a little different – some days start with lectures in the classroom, others with laboratory exercises at the Ruminant Animal Centre (RAC). I usually finish off the day with a final barn check and prepare for the next day!

What do you love most about teaching?

I love that my students motivate me, and I learn and grow through my interactions with them. I feel privileged that I get to share my experience with them and help them meet their goals the way my teachers did for me. It’s a great feeling when my students become my colleagues in the dairy industry/veterinary medicine.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing the world of veterinary medicine today?

That is certainly a tough one to answer! Veterinary medicine is a challenging and rewarding career. It can have highs and lows. Labour shortages and compassion fatigue are some of the  things that need to be top of mind when training the next generation.

Mental health and self-care are topics that are more front and centre in the veterinary curriculum, particularly in recent years. It’s becoming increasingly important for veterinarians to define themselves outside the profession and identify what brings them joy. This can allow for greater resilience in a career that can present daily challenges.

What motivates you to give your time to Carma Cat Rescue?

I have just started to volunteer with Carma Cat Rescue and although I have only helped with a few small events it is a cause I am proud to be a part of. For as long as I can remember I have always loved cats, and I have a particular soft spot for the ones that need a little TLC. Carma does a great job with their trap, neuter, return program in addition to finding homes for the adoptable cats that come through their doors. Dalhousie works directly with Carma in our veterinary technology program as well, so this gives our students experience working with a unique demographic of cats.

How do you balance teaching, farming, and volunteering?

To be honest, sometimes it’s difficult to balance all three. I think that’s a lesson in itself; that life is sometimes hard to keep in balance. It’s all about waking up and putting your best foot forward each day.

The importance of volunteering in the community was something I was exposed to at a young age. Fortunately, Dalhousie has many volunteer initiatives that can fit into my schedule.

The farm can keep things very busy, but it’s a great benefit as it helps me bring a real-world perspective to the classroom. I love using true stories in my lectures! My husband and I host students at the farm frequently and are proud it can be a place where we can grow ourselves and have an environment that fosters learning for students. I take great pride in teaching the future farmers and veterinarians of the world so that helps me get through the tough days!

The Agricultural Campus is a special and unique place, as we hear over and over. What’s your favourite part about the AC?

My favourite part of the AC is the community you belong to. When I came back to teach at the AC after vet school it felt like coming home!

What advice would you give to a student pursuing their dreams of becoming a vet?

We have so many vet school hopefuls at Dal AC and I would tell them all the same thing: think long and hard about why you want to be a vet and stay grounded in that. Know your “why”. This shouldn’t be the stereotypical answer of “I love animals”; it should involve a real reflection on your goals, ideals and vision of your life’s work.

Everyone’s journey can look a little different. Embrace that and how it shapes you as a person.