OSU announces $2 million gift to College of Veterinary Medicine
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Media Contact: Jennifer Kinnard | Assistant Vice President Marketing and Donor Experiences | 405-334-1022 | jkinnard@OSUgiving.com
Oklahoma State University has announced a $2 million gift to the College of Veterinary Medicine from Dr. James and Elizabeth Wise.
The gift has established the James and Elizabeth Wise Endowed Chair of Veterinary Ophthalmology within CVM.
“The College of Veterinary Medicine serves to improve Oklahoma lives, both animal and human,” OSU President Jim Hess said. “Its impact is felt throughout the state and nation, and we are so thankful to the Wises for this generous gift that directly supports OSU’s land-grant mission. This donation will enhance our ability to provide top-tier education and innovative research, benefiting countless communities and advancing the field of veterinary medicine.”
Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of eye diseases and disorders. This donation will help ensure that animals receive top-tier eye care while supporting CVM’s innovative research and development of prepared veterinarians.
The college plays a critical role in Oklahoma, contributing to the state’s economic and agricultural success. Along with small animals and pets, food-animal producers have an essential need for high-quality veterinary care. CVM also works to address Oklahoma's critical shortage of veterinarians in rural areas.
“There are not enough words to express our gratitude for this transformational gift,” CVM interim Dean Jerry Ritchey said. “Their generosity will have an immediate impact for our ophthalmology faculty and students and result in innovative clinical ophthalmologic research in animals, much in the same way as Dr. Wise's pioneering career as an MD ophthalmologist.”
Wise is a 1957 OSU graduate and the second OSU graduate to attend Johns Hopkins Medical School, where he graduated at the top of his class. He is a pioneer in the field of human ophthalmology, publishing multiple advances in glaucoma therapy and specifically laser trabeculoplasty, a glaucoma laser treatment. Invented in 1976, it revolutionized glaucoma treatment and is still used all over the world, benefiting more than 100 million patients.
A Stillwater native, he purchased Stillwater Milling Company in 2010 in recognition of its importance to Oklahoma agriculture, making improvements in capacity, efficiency and quality.
Wise became connected with CVM when the OSU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital provided lifesaving treatment for his rescued cat. The gift was inspired by his unique understanding of the necessity of both eye health and specialized veterinary care.
“All animals have eyes, and they get injuries and diseases just like us,” Wise said. “The college is incredibly important to the agricultural community. I hope this gift will help it bring in a top veterinary ophthalmologist.
“OSU gave me an excellent education that prepared me for medical school and my career. It’s just a place worth supporting.”