A new scholarship established through an agreement between the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and National Veterinary Associates (NVA) is providing vital financial support to several Purdue students in the Vet Up! DVM Scholars program.
The new scholarship is part of NVA’s efforts to enhance diversity and representation in the veterinary industry. “Ensuring that everyone has a voice is important to NVA, not just as an organization, but as a community united in our why: ‘For the love of animals and the people who love them,’” said GeGe Howard, director of community and inclusion at NVA.
Through the new initiative, scholarships have been awarded to four Purdue veterinary students in the DVM Class of 2024. Each student receives $8,000 in tuition and fee support for the current academic year followed by an additional $8,000 in their fourth year as well as a $2,800 stipend for special summer study programs.
Assistant Dean for Inclusive Excellence Latonia Craig, who leads the DVM Scholars program, said the partnership with NVA helps fulfill the vision and promise of Vet Up! “Financial pressures present one of the greatest challenges for young people who want to pursue the dream of becoming a veterinarian,” said Dr. Craig. “This scholarship support from NVA coupled with the education, experience, and mentoring offered by Vet Up! creates a significant catalyst to propel promising young scholars into STEM careers in veterinary medicine.”
Congratulations to the following NVA Scholarship recipients, who were selected by the college:
- Avery Martin
- Daniela Sanchez
- Alaunie Smiley
- Maxine White
Vet Up! – the National HCOP Academy for Veterinary Medicine – provides opportunities and support for equity-minded individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter the veterinary profession and serve society by advancing public health, ensuring food safety, or serving rural areas. As part of Vet Up!, the DVM Scholars program is designed to support Purdue veterinary students from enrollment to graduation and employment in a veterinary shortage area.
Vet Up! also includes two programs targeted at younger students. All of the programs have a competitive selection process for admissions. The Vet Up! Champions program is for rising high-school juniors and seniors; adult and non-traditional learners, including veterans; and first- or second-year undergraduate students. Vet Up! College prepares educationally or economically disadvantaged undergraduate students to be competitive in the DVM applicant pool.
Vet Up! was established in 2019 with support from a Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additional program support is provided by Zoetis.
About National Veterinary Associates (NVA)
NVA is a leading global veterinary community of more than 1,400 independently managed veterinary hospitals providing specialty, emergency, and general medical care as well as more than 100 pet resorts. Rooted in a culture of compassion, innovation, and collaboration, NVA champions each hospital’s unique culture and provides the support and opportunities veterinary teams need to deliver exceptional care to pets and their families.
About the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine seeks to advance global animal and human health and well-being through excellence in learning, discovery, and engagement. Home to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital and Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, the college serves as a major referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases. Faculty research both animal and human health, with an emphasis on animal welfare science and the human-animal bond; infectious diseases and immunology; cancer; neuroscience; and musculoskeletal biology and orthopedics. The college is also one of only a few nationally that educate all members of the veterinary team. Students may pursue a doctor of veterinary medicine degree, bachelor’s or associate degrees in veterinary nursing, post-graduate internships and residencies for specialty training, or graduate degrees in Basic Medical Sciences, Comparative Pathobiology, or Veterinary Clinical Sciences. For more information, visit www.vet.purdue.edu.