Blalock receives Oneok Veteran Scholarship

Monday, July 15, 2019

Cody Blalock, class of 2022 at Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, is one of three Oklahoma State University students selected to receive a Oneok Veteran Scholarship. Blalock has been in the United States Military for nine years.

“I started out when I was just out of high school,” explained Blalock of Cleora, Oklahoma. “I did four years active duty in the Navy and then jumped ship and moved to the Army, which is much more my style. Now I’m an infantryman in the Oklahoma National Guard.”

Blalock learned about the scholarship opportunity through OSU’s Veteran Student Services program. Oneok created the scholarship to recognize the needs of OSU military students seeking degrees. Military students qualify based on their good work ethic, persistence and dedication to working toward their future success. Sponsored by Oneok, this is the second year OSU has awarded the scholarship.

“They send out monthly emails to update you about what the veteran community here at Oklahoma State is doing,” continued Blalock. “One email had the scholarship attached to it and I went ahead and applied. The Oneok Scholarship means an incredible amount to me. Being a veteran I am very fortunate to be part of a brotherhood and sisterhood that has been established since the beginning of the country. And to be able to receive a scholarship that is specifically for veterans is an amazing opportunity not only for me but for our school as well. The fact that I’m in the veterinary program now I think speaks abundantly for these companies wanting to promote higher education in veterans, which is an incredibly important part of moving forward after life in the military.”

Blalock considers himself a “late bloomer” as far as deciding on a career in veterinary medicine.

“Most people in my class decided when they were knee high to a grasshopper that they wanted to be a veterinarian,” he said. “It wasn’t until I was 16 and in high school about ready to graduate that I actually decided I wanted to be a veterinarian.”

During his third year of veterinary college, Blalock wants to reenlist as an infantryman, which will help with some of his tuition loan repayments. Following graduation, Blalock plans to go back to the veterinary hospital where he previously worked.

“It’s a mixed animal practice in Fairland, which is located in the very northeast corner of Oklahoma,” said Blalock. “I’m very fortunate to be have the opportunity to go back there."

MEDIA CONTACT: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator | 405-744-6728 | taylor.bacon@okstate.edu