Herbert and CVM Alumni Honored by Volunteer 40 Under 40 program
Four graduates of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Herbert College of Agriculture have been recognized by the 2026 Volunteer 40 Under 40 program, which celebrates UT alumni who are 40 or younger and have excelled personally and professionally since completing their degree.
The awards ceremony, which takes place on Friday, February 27, 2026, highlights the remarkable accomplishments of Volunteers from across campus.
Molly Brinkmann
Bachelor’s in Animal Science (’10)
Herbert College of Agriculture
Doctor in Veterinary Medicine (’15)
College of Veterinary Medicine
Molly Brinkmann, a veterinarian in Franklin, Tennessee, has become a public spokesperson for pet health education through her viral social media presence. A graduate of both the Herbert College of Agriculture and the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, Brinkmann has built an audience of more than 500,000 followers, who know her as “Dr. Molly.” She also hosts The Dr. Molly Says Podcast to promote healthy practices and combat misinformation. In addition to her work as Medical Director at Beauchamp Animal Hospital, Brinkmann regularly provides free veterinary care for pets in need and serves as Communications Director for the Senior and Geriatric Dog Society. Brinkmann plans to open her own practice in 2026.
Dr. Brinkmann was a featured “Great Grad” in the spring 2025 issue of Land, Life & Science.
Andrea Cote
Master’s in Public Health (’14)
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Doctor in Veterinary Medicine (’15)
College of Veterinary Medicine
Andrea Cote protects public health as a Senior Veterinary Epidemiologist with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. After completing both a master’s in public health and a doctorate in veterinary medicine, she was commissioned into the U.S. Public Health Service in 2016. As an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer with the CDC, she led critical investigations of zoonotic disease outbreaks and public health emergencies. She now addresses foodborne disease outbreaks and mentors future public health professionals.
Ronnie Cowan
Bachelor’s in Wildlife and Fisheries Science (’12)
Herbert College of Agriculture
Master’s in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications (’15)
Herbert College of Agriculture
Ronnie Cowan, a Certified Wildlife Biologist, expands access to outdoor recreation as a UT Extension Outdoor Recreation Specialist. A first-generation college graduate, he reaches more than 20,000 individuals annually through conservation education programs, has engaged more than 5,000 youth in 4-H programs, and launched a dozen conservation initiatives. Cowan founded the Outdoor Enthusiast Expo and is pursuing a Ph.D. researching barriers to outdoor participation among diverse audiences.
Rachel Vanlandingham
Bachelor’s in Food Science (’11)
Herbert College of Agriculture
Rachel Vanlandingham drives innovation at PepsiCo as Research and Development External Strategy Lead. With more than fifteen years of experience in strategy, innovation, and product development, she previously served as Chief of Staff to PepsiCo’s Chief Science Officer. She champions STEM education through Million Women Mentors and serves UT as the Connecticut Alumni Representative.
