Larrabee to Serve on National Board

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

The National Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) recently named Kyre Larrabee of Meade, Kan., president-elect. The soon-to-be third year veterinary student at Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences will serve on SAVMA’s Executive Board for the next two years.

Larrabee learned about the national president’s role from fellow veterinary student, Jeff Olivarez of Edmond, Okla. Olivarez, class of 2018, completed his run as National SAVMA president one year ago.

“I thought about serving in some capacity and then our current past-president Jeff Olivarez approached me and talked to me about running for president,” said Larrabee. “I put a lot of thought and prayer into it and considered if I would have the time for this, how I could improve it, and what I can do for the student body.

“When they announced my name, I probably had the ‘deer in the headlights’ look. I never thought a little old small town Meade, Kansas, girl who went to a high school with only 34 people would actually become president of such a large organization.”

SAVMA encompasses all United States veterinary colleges and some veterinary colleges in the Caribbean, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

“As president-elect I will spend this next year learning from the president,” continued Larrabee. “I serve as the liaison for our student body and will travel to many of the American Veterinary Medical Association Board of Directors’ meetings and learn about the hot topics that affect veterinarians and students as well. I will also travel to several summits and leadership conferences. I have a really busy travel plan for next year, which I’m really excited about.”

Larrabee will also serve as student liaison on the Board for the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Her job there will be to represent the student body providing input on ways to help students and advocating for student scholarships.

When Larrabee takes the reins as National SAVMA president, she already knows some things she wants to tackle.

“My goal is to provide an openness and be there for the students. I want them to feel like I am someone they can come to directly. I love helping others. One of the big hot topics we have is One Health. We talk about how we can help the environment, animals and people all at the same time. I feel like sometimes there is a disconnect between the medical schools and the veterinary schools. I think with a little more collaboration between the two, we could really help with the One Health initiative.

“It’s really awesome that I am in a leadership position like this. One of my favorite things is people asking me where do you go to school. I can proudly say that I come from Oklahoma State University.”

Larrabee grew up on a cattle ranch and knew at an early age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. She chose Oklahoma State University for her undergraduate degree and loves being an OSU Cowboy.

“When I graduate in a couple of years from veterinary school, I’ll be a loyal and true grad for sure,” she added.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the objective of SAVMA is to introduce veterinary students to the concept of organized veterinary medicine; to promote, enhance and support professionalism and veterinary medical education; and to encourage the development and empowerment of students as leaders in the profession of veterinary medicine and the community as a whole.