Spotlight on Our Alumni: Caide Wooten ’15

By Madison Mueller

Recently, the University Honors and Scholars Programs interviewed several alumni and have been featuring them on their social media accounts. 

Dr. Caide Wooten ’15 is a graduate of the University Scholars Program and currently works as an associate veterinarian at Pruyn Veterinary Hospital in Missoula, Montana. Though his days are never the same, he spends most of his time seeing to the medical and surgical needs of cats, dogs, birds, small mammals (rats, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, etc.), reptiles and the occasional amphibian. Wooten’s favorite part about his current job is working with a motivated team to bring the best medical care they can to their patients. He added, “Puppy kisses aren’t bad, either.”

Wooten has been surrounded by animals his entire life. His childhood pets ranged from dogs to a cockatiel to aquarium fish to peafowl! Even so, he didn’t officially decide to pursue veterinary medicine until he was about to graduate high school. Over time, his interests have changed slightly, but Wooten commented that one of the benefits of veterinary medicine is that there are many good job opportunities throughout the field that allow for flexibility relating to career aspirations and lifestyles.

Wooten chose to join the University Scholars Program as an incoming student at NC State because he saw it as an opportunity to enhance his academic and extracurricular experience. “It didn’t disappoint,” he said. One of his favorite forum speakers was renowned underwater photographer David Doubilet. 

“It was fascinating to learn about his adventures documenting so many unique underwater landscapes and creatures,” Wooten reflected. “The complexity of underwater photography cannot be understated, and his skill capturing life beneath the waves is incredible.”

Experiences like these at NC State through the University Scholars Program helped Wooten to develop a greater appreciation for artistic creations, such as literature and visual arts. One lesson that stuck with him was the importance of art as a means of documenting history and illustrating the “constantly evolving human condition with respect to technological innovation and our relationship with the natural world.” 

If you want to connect with Wooten to talk about his time in the University Scholars Program, his current job or his favorite Howling Cow flavor (“Campfire Delight. No contest.”) follow him on LinkedIn or shoot him an email at mccaide.wooten@nva.com.