By Scout Nelson
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is excited to present a new scholarship program, designed to significantly increase the number of veterinarians serving the state's livestock producers.
Introduced by Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program pledges financial aid to local students studying animal or veterinary science.
Governor Pillen highlighted the critical need for more production animal veterinarians in Nebraska and across the country, and how this initiative positions Nebraska as a leader in addressing this challenge.
Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett of UNL also expressed strong support, emphasizing the program's alignment with the university's goals to attract and support Nebraska's top students while addressing the state's needs.
With the livestock industry contributing over $6 billion annually to Nebraska's economy, veterinarians are vital for maintaining animal health and ensuring the industry's success.
A national shortage of food animal veterinarians, exacerbated by the high cost of veterinary education, poses a challenge. The Elite 11 Program aims to remove financial barriers for students interested in this critical field.
Veterinarian Dr. Larry Marshall shared the difficulties in recruiting food animal vets to rural areas and expressed optimism that the Elite 11 Program would address these challenges by educating and mentoring students to serve in these essential roles.
The scholarship program starts by supporting up to 25 freshmen with 50% tuition coverage for their first two years at UNL's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
It then narrows down to providing full tuition for the final years of study for the most promising students, ultimately selecting 11 for the Elite 11, who will also receive full tuition for their professional veterinary medicine program.
Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss sees the program as a significant opportunity for Nebraska's youth interested in agriculture and veterinary medicine to pursue their careers without the burden of debt. This initiative is expected to make a substantial impact on the state, its agriculture industry, and the students involved.
Graduates are required to stay and practice in Nebraska for eight years, ensuring that the investment benefits the state's livestock industry directly.
Applications are now open for the program's first cohort, with the application deadline set for April 12 and scholarship recipients to be announced in late May.
Mike Boehm, vice chancellor for UNL's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, praised the program for its alignment with UNL's mission and its benefit to Nebraska students and the agriculture sector.
Photo Credit -nebraska-extenstion
Categories: Nebraska, Education, Livestock