The Oklahoma Farm Bureau (OKFB) and OKFB Foundation for Agriculture have established a new scholarship program geared specifically for students looking to become large animal vets in Oklahoma, according to a press release on Jan. 16.
The program will award $15,000 to a student who is studying veterinary medicine at Oklahoma State University with the goal of becoming a large-animal veterinarian in the state. The idea behind the scholarship program is to help create a “pipeline of veterinarians who can provide essential services to farmers and ranchers,” the press release said.
“Oklahoma Farm Bureau members are all too aware of the shortage of large animal veterinarians in our state who are essential to providing critical services and helping farmers and ranchers care for their livestock,” said OKFB Foundation for Agriculture President David VonTungeln. “OKFB and our foundation are proud to provide financial support for a student who will soon work in a rural Oklahoma community helping local agriculturalists care for their animals in the best way possible.”
The program will provide reimbursement for tuition and other educational expenses. Those interested in applying will be required to sign a letter of intent to provide large animal vet services or to practice in a veterinary resource shortage area. They should also submit a biographic and personal statement along with reference letters from public officials and/or state agencies, according to the press release.
The scholarship deadline is March 15. To be eligible, the student must be a U.S. citizen, enrolled at the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, be eligible for Oklahoma licensure as a vet and intend to practice in a vet resource shortage area.