19 aspiring veterinarians accepted into Elite 11 program at Nebraska

Nineteen University of Nebraska–Lincoln students pose with Chancellor Rodney D. Bennet, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and University of Nebraska system President Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold inside the Nebraska State Capitol.

Cara Pesek | IANR Media

The 19 University of Nebraska–Lincoln students accepted into the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program pose with Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett (back row, third from left), Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (back row, fourth from left) and University of Nebraska system President Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold (back row, fifth from left) before the students were formally recognized during an event at the Nebraska State Capitol on Aug. 26.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and University of Nebraska leaders have recognized the first cohort of students to qualify for a uniquely designed program aimed at increasing the number of production animal veterinarians in the state. Those veterinarians specialize in working with farmers and ranchers who raise cattle, swine, sheep and other types of livestock and poultry.

Pillen and university leadership announced the creation of the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program in February. The 19 University of Nebraska–Lincoln students accepted into the competitive program were formally recognized during an event at the Nebraska State Capitol on Aug. 26.

“These students are embarking on a challenging, yet hugely rewarding career path,” said Pillen, who holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. “The demand for production animal veterinarians is high. This program is a leader in the United States. It will provide students the top-level training they need, and it will set them on a career path that will allow them to continue practicing, right here in Nebraska.”

Each Elite 11 student receives the Nebraska Production Animal Health Scholarship, which covers 50% of their tuition for the first two years of study in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Nebraska. Following their second year of study, 13 are chosen for a continuation scholarship that covers 100% of their tuition during their third and fourth years. From there, the Elite 11 are selected from Nebraska’s Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine to have all tuition and fees paid for while they attend the university’s dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program with Iowa State University. The program aims to ease the financial burden of obtaining a veterinary degree for Husker students who commit to practicing veterinary medicine in clinics that serve large animals in Nebraska.

“The Elite 11 program is creating exactly the kind of impact we hoped it would,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska system. “I'm so pleased to welcome this group of talented young women and men to the University of Nebraska, and I know they will achieve great things for Nebraska agriculture and the veterinary industry in the years to come. I want to thank CASNR Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss for her vision on this important effort and Gov. Pillen for his leadership and support every step of the way.”

Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett said the program exemplifies the university’s dedication to academic excellence and community impact.

“By developing these exceptional students into future veterinarians, we are addressing a crucial need in the agricultural sector and ensuring that our university remains a leader in nurturing talent that supports Nebraska communities,” he said. “This program is a reflection of our commitment to empowering students and advancing the welfare of our state.”

Following is a list of students accepted into the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program, listed alphabetically by hometown.