Distinguished Auburn alumnus, CEO and veterinarian Jay Price to deliver summer commencement address

Prominent business owner, veterinarian and Auburn alumnus Dr. Jay Price will deliver the graduation address at the university’s summer commencement ceremony on Friday, Aug. 5, at 5 p.m. in Neville Arena.

Price, a 2006 Auburn graduate with a bachelor’s degree in zoology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, is the founder and chief executive officer of Southern Veterinary Partners, one of the largest networks of animal hospitals in the nation. With more than 7,000 employees in over 300 locations across 22 states, Price created a pioneering business model focused on delivering exceptional veterinary care to animals and clients. In addition, SVP provides integrated support to animal hospitals by offering comprehensive resources such as human resources, finance, marketing and other operational support services.

“I look forward to celebrating our summer graduates and recognizing their incredible achievements during my first commencement as university president,” Christopher B. Roberts said. “Jay has a remarkable story to tell about his journey from an Auburn student to a veterinarian and prominent business owner. I am confident that our graduates will draw inspiration from his extensive leadership and extraordinary success in building a framework to advance animal, human and environmental health.”

Since his graduation, Price, a Phenix City native, focused on fostering a community of animal care and veterinary providers known for offering personalized patient care and strengthening animal health and welfare needs. Following its establishment in 2014, SVP was named among Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest Growing Companies in America and as one of the Fastest Growing Companies in Birmingham by the Birmingham Business Journal for several consecutive years. Most recently, SVP was certified as a Most Loved Workplace.

“I am honored and humbled to return to my alma mater to deliver this summer’s commencement speech,” Price said. “Auburn holds a special place in my heart, as they provided me with the education to fulfill my lifelong dream. I am delighted to share this moment with the 2022 graduates as they continue their journey to fulfilling their own dreams.”

Price will kick off commencement weekend by delivering his address before a graduating class of nearly 1,300 students and their families on Aug. 5 p.m. CST in Neville Arena. In addition to Price’s address, the Friday ceremony also features the conferral of degrees by the Board of Trustees, the recognition of students graduating with academic honors, the official welcome of students to the Auburn Alumni Association and a confetti celebration at the ceremony’s end. All graduates must attend the Friday ceremony, where they will pick up their name cards required for Saturday’s college ceremonies and official photographs. Arena doors open at 3 p.m. Guests may enter through the main doors or through the scholarship entrance for those with accessibility needs. Graduates must arrive no later than 4 p.m. 

The undergraduate college and Graduate School ceremonies will be held in Neville Arena on Saturday, Aug. 6, with the first ceremony beginning at 8 a.m. Graduates should plan to arrive at Neville Arena at the designated time for their college commencement ceremony and enter through the student entrance. All ceremonies will begin with remarks by the dean, followed by the student processional, where graduates will receive a copy of the Auburn Creed.

The ceremony will be streamed live on the university’s commencement website. For more information, visit auburn.edu/commencement.