OSU College of Veterinary Medicine Welcomes Class of 2025

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine officially welcomed 106 veterinary students in the class of 2025 at an Induction Ceremony held on Aug. 13 in the McKnight Center located on the OSU-Stillwater campus.

Two of those students share their thoughts on the journey ahead to earn a degree in veterinary medicine.

Alexandra Bingham of Mesquite, Texas, is a first generation college student and Will Shelby of Madill, Oklahoma, is the son of OSU CVM alumnus, Dr. Michael Shelby.

“I’ve always wanted to become a veterinarian and I’ve never had a plan B,” Bingham said. “As a kid, the animals influenced that decision. As I got older and worked under amazing doctors in my hometown, I saw the difference they made in people’s lives and in the world in general. Going through my own health challenges with lymphoma and a kidney disease, I just love medicine and that’s what pushed me. Seeing human doctors work really hard to make sure I’m healthy and living my best life, but I still have the biggest heart for animals, so why not mix the two? It’s just the best career for me.”

“Growing up I was active in 4-H and FFA. I showed a lot of animals and developed a passion for taking care of them,” Shelby said. “Also my dad is a large animal veterinarian. I got to see the difference that he made not only for the cattle industry but also for our state and community. When you match those two things up, it seemed like a pretty straight forward decision that I wanted to be a vet.

“I went to undergrad at OSU,” Shelby continued. “I think there are plenty of places to go get any type of degree and that’s great. But to me, not only in undergrad but especially in the vet school, it seems like something more than getting a degree. It seems almost like a family feeling. There’s a brand to ride for and growing up that always meant a lot to me. I saw the history of this school and it was one of my goals since a young age. Starting this journey, I would be lying if I didn’t say I was a little anxious, but I’m definitely excited. I’m ready to get started, get to know my classmates and really grow and learn with them through the next few years.”

“I chose to come to OK State for my DVM because it’s still close to home,” Bingham added. “I’m a family gal but it’s still the opportunity of a new adventure, new experiences and I’m pretty excited for that. You work so hard towards a goal your entire life and once it’s finally in your grasp, you don’t know what to do with it. You’re like a kid on Christmas; it’s like a dream. I’d like to give a shout out to my husband and my family who have really helped make this dream a reality and the amazing doctors I worked for back home. I hope I make everyone proud.”

Students spent 2 ½ days completing their orientation process sponsored in part by Nestlé Purina. Activities included team building exercises, Examsoft demonstrations, and presentations about available wellness resources, financial aid and more.

“We are delighted to welcome the class in person,” said Dr. Carlos Risco, dean of the veterinary college. “These students will join second and third year veterinary students in our recently dedicated Roger J. Panciera Education Center, a state-of-the-art classroom building equipped with the latest technology and equipment to provide a great learning environment for our students and our faculty.”

OSU veterinary graduates are well prepared for the many career options that a veterinary degree offers whether in private practice, the pharmaceutical industry, military service, academia or comparative biomedical research.

The class of 2025 is comprised of 13 males and 93 females. Fifty-eight are Oklahoma residents and 48 represent the states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Virginia.