From Naval Officer to Veterinarian: Steve Skinner's Journey of Service

Lt. Commander Stephen Skinner and his wife, Lisa

Dr. Stephen G. Skinner is a well-known face at First Presbyterian Church, especially to those who remember his dedication as a deacon during his three-year term spanning the COVID years. He and Lisa are part of the Carrick Sunday School Class and are regular attendees at the 8:45 Chapel services. Though they may not be as active as some, it's understandable—Steve and Lisa co-own a veterinary practice with 24/7 boarding facilities, balancing two full-time businesses and caring for his 96-year-old father, a retired Bird Colonel in the Air Force.

Before becoming Dr. Stephen Skinner, co-owner of Knoxville Animal Clinic at 5312 Homberg Drive in Bearden, he served as Lt. Commander Stephen Skinner in the U.S. Navy. After 20 years of active and reserve duty, including roles on two large Navy ships and posts in Virginia Beach, Guam, Honolulu, and Puerto Rico, he retired with distinction.

Initially, Steve earned a B.S. in Finance from the University of Tennessee. Later, he returned to UT for two years of pre-medical coursework, ultimately gaining acceptance into the UT College of Veterinary Medicine. After four years, he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), focusing on small animal medicine, and now serves as the primary surgeon at Knoxville Animal Clinic.

Lt. Commander Stephen Skinner (center) stands at attention while serving in the Navy stationed in Guam

Steve's car license plate, "VETSQRD," captures his dual identity as a U.S. veteran and veterinarian. His journey is a humble one, moving from leading 500 military personnel in Puerto Rico to mucking out horse stalls at UT Farms and cleaning out animal cages during his early days in Knoxville. It's a testament to his humility and dedication, trading military prestige for the often messy, always meaningful work of a veterinary career.