High honor: CVM honors five alumni with awards
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Media Contact: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Manager | 405-744-6728 | cvmcommunications@okstate.edu
The Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine named Drs. Bill and Angie DuBois, Daniel Holland and James Meinkoth its 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, and Dr. Rebekah Hartfield its Recent Graduate Alumni Award winner.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is selected and presented by the OSU CVM Alumni Society in recognition of outstanding professional and personal achievements and contributions to the enhancement of the veterinary profession. The recipients were honored at the college’s Distinguished Alumni Award Luncheon on Nov. 14, 2024.
Compassion in Action
Drs. Bill and Angie DuBois have dedicated their careers and lives to serving others, achieving personal and professional excellence while giving back to the community.
Their distinguished service and leadership in veterinary medicine, both domestically and internationally, earned them the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award.
The DuBoises shared path began at OSU, where they first met during veterinary school. This period not only laid the foundation of their veterinary careers but also marked the start of a partnership characterized by their values of service and compassion.
“We are both very proud to be veterinarians and love our profession,” Angie DuBois said. “Additionally, we are proud to be graduates of OSU CVM.”
After graduation, they both gained experience in their respective areas of veterinary practice: Bill DuBois in livestock production and Angie DuBois in small animal emergency care. For over 15 years, they refined their expertise, demonstrating their dedication to their patients, clients and the communities they served nationwide.
Bill DuBois’ career included work as an affiliate veterinarian, consulting in swine health and management for clients across multiple states. From 2006-15, he served swine producers in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, providing crucial guidance to improve animal welfare and farm management practices.
“Bill demonstrated a unique ability to connect and communicate with people at the farm level and provide technical information that truly helped the producer and the animals,” said C. Scanlon Daniels, friend and former colleague.
Bill DuBois’ commitment to continuing education was demonstrated by his enrollment in the executive veterinary program in swine health management at the University of Illinois.
“We are both very proud to be veterinarians and love our profession. Additionally,
we are proud to be graduates of OSU CVM.”
His dedication to his profession extended to his service as a district representative on the American Association of Swine Veterinarians board, where he served two consecutive three-year terms. His expertise and contributions were recognized in 2018 when he was invited to present the prestigious Howard Dunne Memorial Lecture at the AASV annual meeting.
While Bill DuBois worked in livestock production, Angie DuBois’ work in small animal emergency medicine showed her commitment to supporting pet owners and families in times of urgent need.
In addition to their veterinary careers, the DuBoises have always shown a deep commitment to serving their community. While raising their two children, Vince and Iris, they balanced their demanding professional responsibilities with active community involvement.
“Drs. Bill and Angie have always demonstrated their commitment to community outside of their family and profession,” Daniels said. “I personally observed the food pantry that they ran from their home garage to benefit hungry kids in their community.”
In 2015, the DuBoises embarked on a new chapter of their journey when they joined the Christian Veterinary Mission as long-term fieldworkers in Southeast Asia. This decision showed their deep faith and commitment to using their veterinary skills to serve in a global context.
“I was excited for the opportunity that Dr. Bill pursued with the Christian Veterinary Mission upon leaving our practice, but his departure definitely left a void and his presence was missed,” Daniels said.
Their work in Southeast Asia involved partnerships with a local Christian college and a ministry organization, through which they conducted livestock husbandry and English language training. By equipping students with both technical knowledge and language skills, the DuBoises helped prepare them for future ministries that could improve economic opportunities and community health.
The DuBoises worked to improve livestock practices in the surrounding communities, sharing their expertise to enhance family economies through sustainable husbandry practices. By providing training in livestock management, they offered local farmers the tools to improve their productivity and quality of life, ensuring a lasting positive impact on the communities they served.
The couple recently moved back to the U.S. and now live in Clinton, Oklahoma, where Bill DuBois works full time with Christian Veterinary Mission and plans to work with a livestock production practice soon. Angie DuBois is working at Highland Veterinary Clinic with her father and brother, both CVM alumni.
“We feel very blessed and honored to be selected for the Distinguished Alumni Award,” Angie DuBois said.
Veterinary Veteran
A love for animals and a passion for people — that is how many remember Lt. Col. Daniel Holland.
Holland attended Marlow High School in southwestern Oklahoma, where he was soon introduced to Dr. Lyndon Graf, an Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine alumnus.
Not long after meeting and seeing Holland’s exuberance, Graf hired him and introduced him to his trade.
“Working with Daniel daily was an enjoyable experience,” Graf said.
Graf stated it was clear that after working with Holland for a short time, it was evident he wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, and that he did.
“Being from a military family, it was no surprise that Daniel joined the ROTC program when he started at OSU,” Graf said.
Upon graduating from the CVM in 1988, Holland was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army.
“He was quoted as saying, ‘Where else could a person swim with a dolphin, jump out of airplanes, and help people in faraway countries take better care of their animals?’” Graf said.
Holland took every opportunity to better himself while serving active duty. He was initially assigned as the installation veterinary officer at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. He then completed a temporary change of station in support of Joint Task Force Bravo in Honduras.
His next assignment took him close to home at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he was responsible for providing veterinary services to Fort Sill, as well as Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma and Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas.
“Our family is grateful for the recognition of his service and honoring his commitment
to improving the quality of life for animals and humans of all nations.”
Holland later earned a Master of Science in environmental health from Colorado State University. For his master’s thesis, he conducted an epidemiological study of neurocysticercosis in Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy. Following this, he was assigned as deputy commander of the 72nd Medical Detachment (Veterinary Services [VS]) in Giebelstadt, Germany. During this tour, he commanded the 72nd Medical Detachment (VS)(Forward) for six months in the Balkans, covering Bosnia, Croatia and Hungary.
Upon returning to the U.S. in 1999, he was assigned to the Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, where he served as branch chief in the Department of Veterinary Science and as an instructor for the AMEDD Officer Basic and Advanced Courses.
After completing his assignment there, he assumed command of the South Plains District Veterinary Command at Fort Hood, Texas. He oversaw all military veterinary services across Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana in this role.
In 2006, Holland, always the soldier first, and three others, along with their Iraqi interpreter, made the ultimate sacrifice for their nations when they were killed in action by a roadside bomb near Baghdad while assisting in the apprehension of an evading insurgent by blocking a canal road escape route.
Holland always volunteered first for every mission, and his infectious enthusiasm and motivation will forever be missed by all, including his wife, Sheryl.
Holland’s lists of assignments and roles were not short, but neither was his passion for helping others. He was often known as a rare individual who was universally respected and liked by all.
“Daniel was an outstanding leader and mentor to many veterinarians, soldiers and others who had the distinct pleasure of working with him or for him,” said Randall Thompson, Liaison DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center associate professor of small animal surgery.
The military recognized Holland’s ultimate sacrifice for his country by naming the Lackland Military Dog Hospital after him on May 28, 2009. The Holland Military Working Dog Hospital is a world-renowned level 5 referral center for military working dogs worldwide.
“Daniel would be humbled and honored to be named a distinguished alumnus,” said the Holland family. “Our family is grateful for the recognition of his service and honoring his commitment to improving the quality of life for animals and humans of all nations.”
A Lifetime Commitment
Imagine moving halfway across the country, setting out on a path that would define a legacy of passion, dedication and impact.
That journey began 32 years ago for Dr. James Meinkoth, a professor of veterinary pathobiology at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Meinkoth grew up in New Jersey as an avid fan of fellow Garden State native Bruce Springsteen fan. He found his way to Oklahoma a year before entering college at OSU to pursue his undergraduate degree in art and sciences.
Upon graduating with his bachelor’s degree, Meinkoth started at the CVM in fall 1981. While there, he found his true calling in clinical pathobiology. Meinkoth graduated with his DVM in 1985. After commencement, Meinkoth stayed in Stillwater and pursued a master’s degree in veterinary pathology.
Meinkoth never questioned his journey to becoming a veterinarian. He knew early on that he wanted to make a living practicing medicine, specifically on animals.
Meinkoth met his wife, Dr. Katrina Meinkoth, who also loved veterinary medicine, right before he entered veterinary school. Katrina Meinkoth is a class of 1988 alumna. They have a son, Phillip Meinkoth, an attorney in Denver.
After completing his undergraduate degree, a DVM, and an M.S. at OSU, Meinkoth and his family moved to Washington State University, where he earned his Ph.D. in veterinary pathology and completed his residency training in 1993.
Meinkoth soon returned “home” to OSU in 1992. Since his return, Meinkoth has been a central figure at the CVM, influencing students, colleagues and the wonders of the veterinary medicine field. His teaching style within his courses is hands-on and interactive, earning him deep respect from students over the years.
“Their enthusiasm keeps me young,” he said, reflecting on the energy he gets from working with students.
Because of his commitment to teaching, he has received the prestigious Regents Distinguished Teaching Award twice. For Meinkoth, the true reward is knowing he has helped shape the careers of countless veterinarians through his classroom and his mentoring of students.
“I would like to thank everyone who nominated me. I think it is meaningful to be in
the same ranks with people like Roger Panciera, who have received the award already.”
Beyond teaching, Meinkoth has written numerous publications and chapters in textbooks, as well as led continuing education workshops. These contributions have established him as a leading figure in pathobiology, a role he fulfills with humility and a desire to continue learning and growing.
Meinkoth’s influence extends beyond professional accomplishments; he is a source of inspiration within the OSU community.
“He is remarkable as a teacher, diagnostician and applied researcher,” said Dr. Anthony Confer, veterinary pathobiology faculty emeriti.
For Meinkoth, his role at the CVM is not a job but a lifelong commitment — a journey he is grateful to continue each day. With his deep connection to OSU, Meinkoth’s legacy is one of passion, excellence and an unwavering commitment to veterinary medicine.
“Because of Dr. Meinkoth, there is always one to two students in each class that choose to explore becoming a clinical pathologist,” said Dr. Jerry Ritchey, CVM interim dean
Known for his loyalty to OSU and his genuine love for teaching, colleagues often describe him as a model of dedication and integrity.
“If you know Dr. Meinkoth, you know an exceptionally kind, gentle, humble and unassuming person,” Ritchey said.
As Meinkoth reflects on his career, he remains grounded, drawing motivation from the students and colleagues who have supported him in the past and present. Through every challenge and achievement, Meinkoth’s dedication has left a lasting imprint on the CVM, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.
“I would like to thank everyone who nominated me,” Meinkoth said. “I think it is meaningful to be in the same ranks with people like Roger Panciera, who have received the award already.”
Beyond the Clinic’s Walls
A veterinarian, an author and a mentor — these are just a few words used to describe Dr. Rebekah Hartfield, mixed animal practitioner.
Now, she can add Recent Graduate Alumni Award winner to her list of titles.
Growing up, Hartfield didn’t have dreams of becoming a veterinarian like most others who go into the field. Although she grew up in a rural community, rode horses and was heavily involved in 4-H, veterinary medicine never crossed her mind.
It wasn’t until after high school that she found her passion for the field.
Hartfield felt ready for a change after attending North Central Texas College in Gainesville and working for a cutting horse trainer. She decided to apply for a job at a local veterinary clinic in Texas.
“They kind of took a chance on me, I would say, because I had zero experience. I had never even given an injection before,” Hartfield said.
During her time at the clinic, Hartfield returned to school to complete the necessary coursework to apply for veterinary school. After finishing the required classes and applying to multiple universities, she eventually found her way to the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Stillwater, where she would spend the next four years.
Hartfield began her veterinary school journey in fall 2012 and graduated as part of the class of 2016. Hartfield will be the first to say that veterinary school wasn’t easy for her.
“School was really hard for me; I worked and studied really hard,” Hartfield said. “I felt like I really got to shine in my fourth year because of all the clinical skills I had gained prior to school.”
Although her path to vet school wasn’t what many might consider the “easy” route, Hartfield has made, and continues to make, an everlasting impact on veterinary medicine.
She owns two veterinary clinics: Holdenville Veterinary Clinic in Holdenville, Oklahoma, and Hartfield Veterinary Clinic Urgent Care in Mannford, Oklahoma.
“Dr. Hartfield serves as a role model for all veterinarians,” said Dr. Roslynn Biggs, assistant clinical professor, beef cattle extension specialist, and CVM director of continuing education.
“School was really hard for me; I worked and studied really hard. I felt like I really
got to shine in my fourth year because of all the clinical skills I had gained prior
to school.”
Hartfield is passionate about her community and helping others. Immediately after graduation, she became a mentor to other veterinary students and pre-veterinary students.
“As evidence of her impact, she is routinely selected by OSU CVM class members as a distinguished coater for the OSU CVM grey and white coat ceremonies,” Biggs said.
Hartfield’s dedication to the future of veterinary medicine extends beyond her clinic’s walls. She is also a noted children’s book author, featuring the characters Dr. H and Abby. This fictional duo works together to diagnose and treat small and large animals.
In addition to her advocacy in the community, Hartfield has served on the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners since 2021. In this prestigious role, she represents the best interests of both the profession and the public.
“She has played an instrumental role in influencing change in the profession, her local community and the state, all while balancing her commitments to faith and family,” Biggs said.
Photos By: Taylor Bacon and Provided
Story By: Bailey White, Kinsey Reed and Rylee Glazier | Vet Cetera Magazine