Beth and Bell Foltz are twin sisters who share the same passion. From growing up on their family farm to soon graduating from the University of Missouri with degrees in animal sciences, they both aim to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
“Our dream is to open a veterinary practice together,” Bell said. “Being a vet is a great way to give back to your community.”
The Foltz sisters are no strangers to involvement within CAFNR. They have done everything from playing an active role in different clubs and organizations and serving as mentors in animal sciences, to assisting in research labs and gaining industry experience through internships.
The sisters are both members of Mizzou’s Dairy Judging Team, Pre-Vet Club members and 2025 Litton Leadership Scholars. They also helped re-establish the Poultry Club on campus.
“Growing up on a small cow-calf operation played a huge role in shaping who we are and why we’re pursuing veterinary medicine,” Bell said. “Giving back to the agricultural community is a big part of our ‘why.’”
Beth and Bell have also served as teaching assistants in animal sciences classes and are both animal sciences representatives, where they communicate with prospective students and give tours of the building.
“Being animal sciences representatives has been a really great part of our time here,” Bell said.
The sisters have also diversified their individual experiences through different leadership and career opportunities.
Beth is vice president of Mizzou’s Swine Club and worked under Allison Meyer, an associate professor in the Division of Animal Sciences, where she helped collect data on the relationship between cow nutrition and calf health.
On the other hand, Bell was an animal care technician at a Mizzou research center and interned at the Missouri Pork Association in fall 2025.
A bond that has built success
The sisters are each other’s support system, which has allowed them to make their mark in the many different positions they’ve held throughout their time at Mizzou. Their bond has also helped them adjust to student life at a large university.
“It was a little daunting at first because we were like big fish in a little pond at home,” Bell said. “We were valedictorian and salutatorian at our high school.”
Growing up in a small town in Southeast Missouri, moving to Columbia was a completely new experience for the twins. But both sisters have grown and flourished through being surrounded by other ambitious students.
“I feel like there are a lot of people who come here, and they have big dreams and big goals,” Bell said. “It’s really nice to be around that same group of people.”
The sisters believe their close relationship and supportive nature have helped them achieve so much during their undergraduate years.
“We’ve never been competitive with each other about things,” Beth said. “It’s just always nice to have someone cheer you on all the time.”
From shared roots to separate paths
Since the sisters have always been by each other’s side, the future holds a new challenge for them to overcome. Bell will begin a new chapter at Mizzou’s School of Veterinary Medicine in the fall, while Beth’s future is still undecided. She either plans to move home after graduation or take on a new role in the Division of Animal Sciences.
“It’ll be our first big step, not living together,” Bell said about the possibility of her sister moving home. “The longest we’ve ever been apart was a week-and-a-half.”
The potential for temporarily going their separate ways wasn’t originally part of the sisters’ plan, but they’re using the opportunity to stay optimistic about the future.
“I did not get into vet school, so I’ll probably reapply next year,” Beth said. “But I’m looking forward to new experiences and branching out.”
As they prepare to step into the next phase of life, they’re taking advantage of one last part of CAFNR’s signature experience.
“We’re going on a study abroad to Ireland right after graduation to gain a better understanding of agriculture in another country,” Bell said. “Specifically, one that has a rich history of focusing on ruminant production.”
Even though they’re trading CAFNR – a place that’s become home for them – for a new season in life, the Foltz sisters are grateful for everything their undergraduate experiences have given them.
“CAFNR does a good job at making a big school feel like a family,” Bell said.
Beth and Bell didn’t just overcome the challenge of joining a big university; they rose above and beyond the traditional standards of student success. Just like they excelled in this phase of life, they’re ready to do the same with anything that comes their way next.
“I feel like this was a big step, and now we’ve gotten comfortable,” Beth said. “Now it’s time to do something else new and exciting.”