One had long dreamed of following in her grandfather’s footsteps as a mixed animal practice veterinarian. The other never imagined entering the profession until his former agricultural instructor pointed him in a new direction.

Although their paths and plans were different, Jacob and Aubry Gollihare’s shared experiences in rural Oklahoma, along with their passion for food animal medicine, brought them together and led them into the veterinary field.

Aubry Gollihare grew up immersed in veterinary medicine at her grandfather’s practice, Stratford Animal Hospital, located in Stratford, Oklahoma, where she rode along on farm calls, worked cattle and observed surgeries. Although she attended Blanchard Public Schools, she jumped at any opportunity to spend weekends down south with her grandfather, Dr. Gerald Parsons, also known as “Doc.”

Jacob Gollihare’s introduction to the field was different, as his experiences exhibiting show pigs and sheep first sparked an interest in animal handling and health. After graduating from high school, however, he intended to pursue a degree in biosystems engineering and spend his career advancing farm machinery.

Although the two had long been in close proximity, it was not until the summer before Jacob Gollihare began veterinary school that a shadowing opportunity with Doc arose. Doc encouraged Aubry Gollihare to reach out to him for help with her veterinary school application, and the rest was history. After saving money from his summer job at a peach orchard and setting aside earnings from his small cow-calf operation, he bought an engagement ring.

She said yes, and the couple was married in 2022, just after he completed his first year of veterinary school and before she began her own.

“Marrying another veterinary student certainly came with its challenges,” Aubry Gollihare said. “But the ability to truly understand what my husband was experiencing at school each day, and vice versa, was an unexpected gift.”

Now, the couple reflects on their academic journey at the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine with gratitude. From faculty connections and mentorship to real-world clinical experiences, both Jacob and Aubry Gollihare said they are deeply appreciative of OSU CVM’s support. Additionally, they have both been named recipients of the Oklahoma Rural Veterinary Scholarship Program.

“The Oklahoma Rural Veterinary Scholarship Program has profoundly shaped not only the next five years of my career, but the trajectory of my life,” Aubry Gollihare said. “Being financially supported as I return home to rural Oklahoma is incredibly meaningful and rewarding.”

Jacob Gollihare has spent the past year back with Doc at the Stratford Animal Hospital learning, growing and supporting his hometown.

“I am extremely grateful for the relationships with professors and staff that I am confident will last a lifetime,” Jacob Gollihare said. “As I started my career last May, I was the first to admit it felt like I was not fully prepared, but with some confidence and good mentors, the knowledge and skills came to life.”

Returning to practice veterinary medicine in Stratford has allowed Jacob Gollihare to connect with livestock producers he once purchased show pigs from, along with the opportunity to care for animals owned by former hometown mentors.

Looking ahead, the Gollihares are excited to be adding another veterinarian to the Stratford Animal Hospital, as Aubry Gollihare will return to southern Oklahoma to work with her husband and grandfather after graduating in May. This addition will allow the team more flexibility to reach new clients and provide additional services, Jacob Gollihare said.

“In the next five to 10 years, I hope to step into an ownership role within our practice,” Aubry Gollihare said. “I am excited for the possibility of growing our veterinary team as well, allowing us to serve more communities and offer more comprehensive care to Oklahomans across the state.”

For the Gollihares, the Oklahoma Rural Veterinary Scholarship Program played a central role in making their careers in rural practice possible. This support has made it possible for them to return to rural Oklahoma, building careers rooted in food animal medicine alongside experienced OSU CVM alumni.

Since its inception in 2024, the program has awarded $1.8 million in scholarship money and loan forgiveness. Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, director of the Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine, has helped reduce financial barriers for graduates like Jacob and Aubry Gollihare to return to rural family practices, continue a legacy of care, and deliver high-quality veterinary services in areas that might otherwise go underserved.

“The Rural Veterinary Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Programs are critical to ensuring talented veterinary students can return to their roots and serve the communities that need them most,” Biggs said.

“My hope for this program is that it not only places a strong number of veterinarians in rural Oklahoma for the required service period, but also fosters a lasting commitment to these communities,” Aubry Gollihare said. “The financial relief provided has the potential to largely reduce the barriers associated with practicing in rural America, and I am excited to see more veterinarians be able to pursue and sustain careers in these areas because of support systems like this program.”

Story By: Presley Pullen | ppullen@okstate.edu