2026 recipients of the Oklahoma Rural Veterinary Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Program named
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
The Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine has announced the 2026 recipients of the Oklahoma Rural Veterinary Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Program, awarding support to 14 students committed to serving rural communities across the state.
The scholarship program was established through House Bill 3196, known as the Dr. Lee Denney Act, which was passed in 2024 by the Oklahoma legislative and executive branches. The act was created to provide financial assistance to students pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the OSU CVM who plan to practice in rural Oklahoma communities and receive training to meet the needs of livestock producers.
“The Oklahoma Rural Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Program at Oklahoma State University represent a strategic investment in the future of rural veterinary medicine, strengthening access to care in underserved communities across the state,” said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, director of the Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine.
The program prioritizes Oklahoma residents who are passionate about large animal medicine and committed to practicing in communities with populations of 25,000 or fewer. Scholarships and loan forgiveness are designated for up to $25,000 annually for as many as four years, for a total potential award of $100,000 per student.
“Oklahoma has a significant deficiency of rural veterinarians, with over 80% of Oklahoma counties reporting shortages,” said Dr. Jerry Ritchey, interim dean. “The Oklahoma Legislature has been proactive in addressing this issue by funding the Oklahoma Rural Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Program. This program is instrumental in providing a pipeline for new graduates to enter rural practice and removing constraints associated with student debt. This is life-changing for the deserving graduate who has made a commitment to serving Oklahoma rural communities and for our livestock producers who currently bear the brunt of the shortage of veterinarians.”
The 2026 award recipients consist of:
Class of 2026
- Brock Courtney, Inola, Oklahoma
- Siona Fuller, Forgan, Oklahoma
- Chisum Henry, Lula, Oklahoma
- Aubry Hensley-Gollihare, Stratford, Oklahoma
- Kylie McNitt, Adair, Oklahoma
- Erica Nightengale, Billings, Oklahoma
- Trey Roberts, Blanchard, Oklahoma
- Blake Runner, Oologah, Oklahoma
- Chelsea Williams, Union City, Oklahoma
- Braden Winters, Okmulgee, Oklahoma
Class of 2027
- Allyson Crawford, Fitzhugh, Oklahoma
- Callee Graham, Atoka, Oklahoma
- Drew Martin, Fox, Oklahoma
- Rylee Scoma, Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma
“This year’s recipients exemplify academic excellence, strong character, and a demonstrated commitment to serving Oklahoma’s agricultural producers,” Biggs said. “Their dedication ensures that rural practices will remain viable, supporting animal health, public health and the long-term stability of our state’s livestock industry.”