Hello to the Class of 2029: CVM welcomes its newest students to Stillwater
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Media Contact: Kinsey Reed | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-6740 | cvmcommunications@okstate.edu
As a new school year begins, Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed the class of 2029.
With each new class comes fresh ideas, unique interests and a wide range of experiences. This class consists of 106 students from across the country who have arrived in Stillwater. Each person has their own story, yet all share one common goal — to become veterinarians.
“What’s excited me most about starting veterinary school is getting into the material that actually applies to my career,” said Cade Harris, a first-year student. “I loved the undergraduate experience, but having all my course material geared toward veterinary medicine has really gotten me excited about the challenge of learning.”
For many, this dream began in childhood, sparked by caring for family pets or helping on farms and ranches. Others discovered veterinary medicine later in life, after finding joy in science, research or serving their communities.
Regardless of when the journey began, every class member has taken countless steps to reach this milestone.
“I am excited to see what this class can do,” said Chasity Srader, prospective students coordinator. “You can tell that they are eager to work and learn, as evidenced by their punctuality — they all showed up for orientation 30 minutes early.”
Orientation week gave the students a glimpse into life at the OSU CVM. They spent time getting to know their classmates, meeting faculty and staff members and learning about the resources available to help them succeed. Team-building activities and even practicing their first sutures gave the class a sense of what lies ahead.
“What I enjoyed most about orientation was the opportunity to connect with my classmates through all the group activities before the start of our first year,” said Lauren Chaney, a first-year student.
In just a few days, the students began to form connections that will carry them through the program. The veterinary curriculum is rigorous, and having a strong support system of classmates often makes the journey more manageable and more rewarding.
Beyond orientation, the students participated in the induction ceremony, a tradition symbolizing their formal entrance into the profession. They’ll gain hands-on experience through labs, rotations and clinical work at the OSU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and eventually walk across the stage at commencement to receive their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
Though the road ahead may be demanding, the rewards of becoming a veterinarian are immeasurable. From advancing animal health to supporting food security, the impact these future doctors will make reaches far beyond Stillwater. For first-year student Connor Gregory, that impact begins with hands-on learning and a commitment to rural communities.
“I am looking forward to necropsies and theriogenology for large animals,” Gregory said. “I am excited to go back and serve my rural community and the agricultural industry post-graduation.”
The students’ energy, dedication and diverse backgrounds will shape their futures and contribute to OSU’s legacy of veterinary excellence.
“We have many talented and intelligent students coming through, and I cannot wait to see how much they grow within the next four years,” Srader said.
Photo By: Bailey Horn
Story By: Bailey Horn | Vet Cetera Magazine