Kaitlyn Barkman '29

Biography

Kaitlyn Barkman ’29 attended Madison High School, where she was active in the Agriscience Magnet Program and FFA. Throughout her high school career, she competed in both the farm business management and veterinary science competitions. She also raised a guide dog for the blind who recently graduated as a seeing-eye dog in February 2025.

Kaitlyn enjoys interacting with animals and is passionate about animal health, welfare and medicine. She spent most of her senior year of high school interning at O’Connor Road Animal Hospital to reach 300 hours for her CVA 1 certification, and she also worked as a kennel technician at a doggy daycare for two years. She enjoyed participating in her guide dog program and seeking opportunities to gain experience and strength in her veterinary skills.

On campus, Kaitlyn is looking forward to finding community and getting out of her comfort zone. She is currently looking into the Animal Welfare and Behavior Club as well as the Pre-Vet Society, and she hopes to become an animal science ambassador. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her friends, family and dog.