Dr. Craig Jones Named OSU Distinguished Alumnus

Monday, June 22, 2020

Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine recently announced that Craig Jones, DVM, of Cleburne, Texas, was named a 2020 Distinguished Alumnus of the veterinary college. Owner of Northside Animal Clinic in Cleburne, Jones earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 1989.

Originally from Comanche, Oklahoma, Jones attended Southwest Oklahoma State University on a rodeo scholarship and completed his pre-veterinary requirements. He moved to Stillwater and attended class part-time and worked part-time at the veterinary college’s animal resources lab until he was accepted into the DVM program. Finances were tight and thanks to an anonymous donor, who gave Jones $15,000 toward books and education expenses, he completed his degree vowing to repay that generosity one day.

Jones went to work at a mixed animal veterinary practice in northern New Mexico before moving to Cleburne in 1990 to join a primarily dairy and equine veterinary practice. Two years later, Jones bought the practice, which has grown into a companion animal clinic with a small percentage of horse, swine, sheep and goat work.

Jones is active in his community serving as a member of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse for more than 15 years, on the Johnson County Livestock and Agriculture Association Board for 13 years and a past member of the Cleburne Animal Shelter Advisory Board. He is also a top-level sponsor for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Johnson County. Jones also gives back to his alma mater serving on the OSU Foundation Board of Governors, the College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Society Executive Board, and the Dean’s Development Associates at the veterinary college.

As his practice grew, Jones made good on his promise to repay the generous financial gift he received creating the Dr. Craig and Stephanie Jones Endowed Scholarship. The annual scholarship awards to a deserving veterinary student demonstrating financial need. He was also instrumental in establishing a Class of 1989 Scholarship to assist veterinary students as they pursue their dreams of joining the profession.

Dr. Jones is married to Stephanie Capps Jones. They have two daughters, Lauren and Lindsey. Lauren is following in her father’s footsteps and is in her second year of veterinary college at OSU. Jones is one of three alumni who will be honored at the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s Distinguished Alumni Award Luncheon scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2020.

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