“After knowing each other for almost a year, our friends suggested we go on a date,” the couple said. “We have been together ever since.”

Both animal science undergraduates, the beginning of their relationship was spent on campus. Amanda was busy preparing for veterinary school, and Blake had plans to pursue a Master’s Degree. They said they enjoyed having classes in the same buildings, and they both served as Alpha Zeta officers.

“From time to time, we spent time together at the poultry and sheep units where I worked,” Blake said,“and Amanda would pitch in to help with work or research projects.”

The couple was married in May 2010, before Blake finished his Master’s degree and went on to achieve a Ph.D. just before Amanda began veterinary school.

“Needless to say, we didn’t see a lot of each other those first four years of marriage because of our demanding schedules,” the couple said.

Today, Blake is an animal science professor at OSU, and Amanda is an associate veterinarian at Exclusively Equine Veterinary Services in Edmond, Oklahoma.

“We both have such a passion for animals and agriculture,” the couple said. “Both of our families raised cattle and instilled that in us as well.”

They said their careers tend to overlap, and not a week goes by that Amanda doesn’t ask Blake a nutrition question, or that Blake doesn’t ask Amanda a veterinary question. They agreed it helps they have distinct yet very similar professions.

In December 2017, their daughter, Emerson Rose, was born.
“She has been the best adventure,” the couple said. “We are so thankful for this amazing little blessing in our lives. She is our next little OSU cowgirl.”

The couple offered a few pieces of advice to a successful marriage.

Amanda said, “Be flexible. Both of us can be pretty stubborn and assertive, and while that may have helped us in our careers, it is something we had to let go of very early in our marriage.
“Also, never take yourself too seriously. We laugh with each other daily.”

Blake said, “Marriage, especially when you are both in demanding careers can be really hard. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try extremely hard to work through challenges.

“You will face challenges in your relationship, but if you care about someone and want to make it work, you do.”

The couple said, “At the end of the day, our unwavering faith can get us through anything that comes our way.”