Aiming to bolster the number of veterinarians serving livestock producers statewide, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has introduced a new scholarship program.
The Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program offers financial support to Nebraska students pursuing degrees in animal science or veterinary science at UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
“The need for production animal veterinarians is undeniable. It’s an issue for Nebraska and other states as well,” said Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen. “Through this collaboration with UNL, Nebraska will be a leader in boosting the number of graduates in this field.”
Nebraska, along with other states across the nation, faces a shortage of food animal veterinarians. One contributing factor is the cost of veterinary training. The Elite 11 Program aims to alleviate this financial barrier for Nebraska students interested in food animal veterinary medicine.
Dr. Larry Marshall, a veteran veterinarian in Bertrand for nearly four decades, emphasized the significance of the program in addressing the shortage of food animal veterinarians in rural areas.
“Our goal is to find, cultivate, educate, mentor, and lead these students down a path that will enable them to become successful food animal veterinarians in rural Nebraska,” Marshall said.
Under the Nebraska Aspiring Animal Production Veterinarians Program Scholarship, up to 25 first-time freshmen will receive financial assistance covering 50% of their tuition for the initial two years of study at UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
Following the initial two years, up to 13 of the original 25 scholarship recipients will be eligible for a continuation scholarship, covering 100% of tuition for the subsequent two years of study. Ultimately, 11 students will be selected as part of the Elite 11, receiving full tuition and fees for UNL’s professional program in veterinary medicine, with the first two years completed at Nebraska and the subsequent two years at the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine. Additionally, students in the program will receive mentoring and professional development throughout their education.
“This program presents an incredible opportunity for Nebraska high school students who are passionate about agriculture and animal care to pursue careers in veterinary medicine without the burden of student loan debt,” said Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “This is an important program that will have a big impact on our state, our agriculture industry, and on the students who take part in it.”
Graduates of the Elite 11 Program are required to remain in Nebraska and practice as production-animal veterinarians for eight years.
“The Elite 11 Program brings together two of the things we are most passionate about at UNL — supporting Nebraska students and fulfilling our land-grant mission,” said Mike Boehm, vice chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “It’s truly a win-win.”
Application instructions for the inaugural cohort of the program are now available online, with applications accepted through April 12. Scholarship recipients will be notified in late May.
