Former Raleigh police officer Craig Barnett is getting ready to cross the stage for a second time with a degree in veterinary medicine.
Barnett, 52, spent over 25 years as a police officer with K9’s and serving his community. As retirement loomed over him, Barnett knew he had some learning left in him.
He decided to follow his lifelong dream to become a veterinarian.
The saying goes you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Barnett said his age does make people take a second look.
While he doesn’t see himself as old, he is learning new tricks with dogs and cats. Barnett is set to graduate with NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine 2024 class.
“As fun as school was it was kind of like a relief that I was making it– that school is gonna be over,” he said. “(I’m) excited to go back out in the workforce.”
This is a second career for Barnett, but it has always been first in his heart.
At 21 years old, Barnett found interest in veterinary medicine and even earned a biology degree. But, ultimately, he decided to go in a different direction.