Keller Frey to be Honored

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Keller Frey Named Distinguished Alumna

Dr. Demarious Keller Frey of Corpus Christi, Texas, has been named a 2015 Distinguished Alumna by Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. Her veterinary medicine career will be celebrated at a luncheon on November 20, 2015, in the Wes Watkins Center on the OSU Stillwater campus. The public is invited and tickets can be purchased for $35 here.

Keller Frey earned her DVM degree from OSU in 1963, one of only two women in the graduating class. Following graduation, she joined Highland Veterinary Clinic owned by Dr. Roy Brenton Smith, OSU class of 1962. She married Martin Frey, DVM (a Kansas State graduate on staff at OSU from 1959-1963) in 1964. The couple worked in Ethiopia providing veterinary services in the underdeveloped country. In 1965, the couple opened Alameda Veterinary Clinic, a small animal and equine practice in Corpus Christi. In 1972, they opened a second clinic, Padre Animal Hospital.

Throughout her career, Keller Frey was very active in organized veterinary medicine. She was the first woman appointed to the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners serving a six-year term. She also was a member of the National Board Examination Committee of the American Association of Veterinary Boards. In addition, Gov. Clements appointed her to serve on the Texas Racing Commission to bring pari-mutuel horse and greyhound racing to Texas. Here she served on the Racing Commissions International Committee writing model rules and minimum standards for the care and safety of racing horses and greyhounds.

She has been honored by the YWCA, named Outstanding Woman Veterinarian of America, Outstanding Alumna of the Oklahoma State University Woman’s Council, Woman of the Year by the National Greyhound Association, and received a Recognition of Service Award from the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. In 2009, Keller Frey was named a Distinguished Alumna of Texas A&M University, Kingsville, where she was invited to give the commencement address, which she did in 2011.

“I am grateful to both universities and the professors and clinicians who helped me make my dreams come true to be a veterinarian,” said Keller Frey. “I am privileged to be working in outstanding veterinary practices where I feel challenged and appreciated. I am proud that Padre Animal Hospital is still serving the community and grandchildren of original clients.”

Also being honored in November are alumni Drs. Sybil Heise of Guymon, Oklahoma, and Merlin Ekstrom of Farmington Hills, Michigan.