Mims wins McElroy Award after following in father's veterinary legacy
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Media Contact: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator | 405-744-6728 | taylor.bacon@okstate.edu
On May 12, 1973, Dr. Roger Mims graduated from the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Exactly 50 years later, his son, Ryan, crossed the stage to become the next Dr. Mims in a legacy of veterinarians.
Not only did Mims earn his DVM, but he was also selected as the 2023 Dean Clarence H. McElroy award recipient. The recipient is selected by the graduating class and fourth-year instructors. It is the highest honor a CVM student can achieve.
“Going from not knowing if I was even capable of getting into veterinary school to winning the school’s highest honor was such a surreal moment,” Mims said.
Mims’ journey to veterinary school did not follow the typical path most veterinary students take. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from OSU in 2004 and planned to rodeo full time. After graduation, Mims worked with his father in the veterinary clinic and traveled to rodeos for 11 years. He considered applying to veterinary school, but between the work in the clinic and his rodeo schedule, he never found the time.
His father was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and in 2015, they sold the practice. This left him wondering what his next steps would be.
“I had thought about going back to school from time to time, but I always thought I was too old,” Mims said. “School was a challenge for me early, but I decided to go back and give it a try.”
Mims said his father was the main driver behind him becoming a veterinarian.
“He was my best friend, and we liked all the same things and did all the same things,” Mims said. “It wasn’t until I started working with him every day and working with the animals that I began to understand the impact he had on the community and the way he affected people’s lives through working on their animals.”
Mims decided to enroll in the courses he needed to apply to veterinary school and spent two years completing his undergraduate requirements. In 2019, he was accepted into veterinary school. Mims’ path to his DVM was comprised of a desire to help people, a love for animals and a lot of faith. However, it did not come without its challenges.
While many students put studying and tests at the top of their list for veterinary school challenges, Mims found the most challenging part to be the changes to his life routine.
“We had a home life established so it was a big change as far as moving our family, selling a home, finding a place to live and adjusting to a new way of life,” Mims said. “It was hard to navigate for me and my wife. I was very driven, but I also had to find a way to be present while I was home.”
Mims said it really comes down to following his dreams. His father used to tell him if he found something he loved, he’d never work a day in his life.
“My dad loved being a veterinarian,” Mims said. “He loved it so much, it’s kind of what scared me away from it because I didn’t know if I could love it the way he did.”
Inspiration from his father and support from his wife and family members served as encouragement for Mims as he worked toward his degree. He now carries on his father’s legacy of providing the best care for animals while serving his clients.
“Some if it comes from rodeo and some comes from veterinary school, but my biggest takeaway is to have a passion for what you’re doing, go after what you want and follow your dreams,” Mims said.
After graduation, Mims began an equine internship at 113 Equine in Waco, Texas.
“I never say never anymore. I never thought I’d be a veterinarian and I never thought I’d work on horses exclusively,” Mims said.
“The biggest lesson I learned is to trust in God. I say that because it took a lot of faith to even want to try this, but it amazes me how blessed I’ve been through this journey and the way he continues to bless my family.”
Photo By: Taylor Bacon
Story By: Taylor Bacon | Vet Cetera Magazine