Dr. Yoast Earns Dean Clarence McElroy Award

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Gregory Yoast, DVM, was born in southern California and grew up in Cleveland, Oklahoma. In May during the class of 2021 commencement, Yoast was announced as the recipient of the coveted Dean Clarence H. McElroy Award, the highest honor an Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine student can achieve.

The recipient is selected by the graduating class and fourth year instructors.

“As I was sitting there listening to Dean Risco describe this prestigious award, I was thinking, man, I hope we picked someone good to get this award,” Yoast said. “Next thing I know, my name gets announced, my picture is on the big screen and I’m just overwhelmed with excitement as I get up and start to walk up on stage.

"It means a lot to me to win this award. As I started here at Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine, I learned who Dean McElroy was and also how prestigious this award is to the school and to the past award winners. So I am truly honored to receive this award and hope to accomplish great things in the future.”

Yoast knew at a young age that being a veterinarian was what he wanted.

“I decided to become a veterinarian when I was a kid,” Yoast said. “I remember my family always had animals. They were a part of my family and I wanted to continue to strengthen that animal bond with my family and for other families. That decision was influenced by my family, the veterinarians who treated my animals throughout my life and also my wife. She had a very important role in helping me focus and getting me on this path to become a veterinarian, so I thank her.

“Growing up in Cleveland, I was only 45 minutes away. I did my undergrad here. I love Oklahoma State University and I couldn’t think of a better place to come to get my veterinary degree. My favorite memory would be all the great times I had with my friends that I made here in vet school. We had so many great times doing different things — wet labs, get togethers, parties. I’ve built so many friendships, lifelong friendships, that I can’t wait to see where life takes us.

“If you are thinking about being a veterinarian, the advice I would give is to work hard and never give up on your dream. If you do those two things, you’re going to go very far. This journey is difficult but it’s well worth it in the end.

“Again, I am truly honored to receive this award and want to thank my family, my wife and everyone here at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine for their help and continued support throughout my career.”

In addition to the Dean McElroy Award, Yoast received an Alumni and Friends Endowed Scholarship in Veterinary Medicine in recognition of his academic achievements and participation in student organizations and college activities and an Ambassador Award for being an excellent ambassador for the veterinary college.

Following graduation, Dr. Yoast plans to complete a small animal rotating internship at Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists in Tulsa. Yoast is married to attorney Lindsay Grisamer of Stillwater and is the son of Virginia Yoast of Mannford, Oklahoma, and Douglas Yoast of Springfield, Missouri.