Petree Prevails: Graduate earns McElroy Award: CVM’s highest honor
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Media Contact: Kinsey Reed | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-6740 | cvmcommunications@okstate.edu
Dr. Madie Petree, an Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine alumna, didn’t just grow up with animals — she saved them, one stray at a time.
“My mom has a sixth sense for stray animals,” Petree said. “She would always say, ‘We’re keeping it until we find a home.’ But they never left.”
Petree was surrounded by 11 rescued dogs, a cat and a herd of black Angus cattle. In the Petree household, animals came first.
When emergencies happened, Petree stepped in to watch, help and ask questions. Early exposure to veterinary care shaped her future, but one moment in eighth grade sealed it.
A car hit the Petrees’ 20-year-old family dog, Sassy. The injury caused a broken leg, and the prognosis looked grim. Still, the Petree family opted for amputation surgery. Against the odds, Sassy survived, and by the next day, she sprinted around the yard on three legs.
“Watching the vet give us a few more happy months with her made me think, ‘I want to do this. I want to give people more time with animals they love,’” Petree said.
Petree received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Gallagher-Iba Arena in May. The same day, she was awarded the 2025 Dean Clarence H. McElroy Award — the highest honor presented to a graduating veterinary student.
“I never expected it,” she said. “When they called my name at graduation, I was in shock. My mentor hit me on the knee and said, ‘That’s you.’ And I was overwhelmed with gratitude.”
Clinical faculty and fourth-year classmates select the McElroy Award winner. It honors a student who excels in academic achievement, clinical skills and leadership. Petree stood out in all three areas.
Petree broke her neck at a wellness night at a trampoline park during the spring semester of her first year. She endured several months in a rigid neck brace, along with physical and emotional obstacles. This could have derailed her education. Instead, she pressed on.
“Ironically, I did not feel well at the wellness event,” Petree joked. “I couldn’t lift anything. Couldn’t turn my head. Couldn’t even look through a microscope.”
With the help of OSU faculty and classmates, Petree stayed on track.
Dr. Jerry Ritchey, interim OSU CVM dean, helped coordinate special accommodations so she could complete her coursework.
“Madie was the type of leader who never asked for special treatment, even when she had every reason to,” Ritchey said. “She just wanted to do the work and do it well. She’s the epitome of everything we hope our graduates become: intelligent, compassionate and grounded.”
Petree served as class president all four years. She was the bridge between students and faculty during one of the most intense times of their lives.
Dr. Lionel Dawson, OSU CVM professor, said Petree’s steady presence, clear communication and strong support of her peers set her apart.
“I truly believe I tried my best to go above and beyond for my class,” she said. “And I don’t regret a moment of it.”
Outside of leadership and coursework, Petree trained through externships. She completed externships at North Carolina State University and the University of Florida. During these externships, she developed a deeper passion for cardiology.
“The heart is my favorite organ,” she said. “It’s like a big puzzle. Every piece works together in perfect rhythm. It just makes sense.”
Petree began her career in mixed-animal medicine this past August when she moved to Wyoming to join a practice.
Drs. Terry Sparkman and Colter Smith at Sparkman Animal Clinic in Muldrow, Oklahoma, are Petree’s hometown mentors. As a teenager, they let her shadow them. Petree credits them with giving her the confidence to practice hands-on medicine.
“They didn’t treat me like a kid; they treated me like a future vet,” Petree said.
For current and future students, Petree offers honest encouragement.
“There will be days you feel you’re on top of the world, and days where you wonder if you belong,” Petree said. “But don’t give up, ask questions, take notes and lean on your mentors. You’re going to get there.”
Petree stated the lessons learned, friendships created and the gratitude she gained in Stillwater will carry her wherever she goes.
“I’ll always be grateful for Oklahoma State,” she said. “It shaped me, challenged me and helped me become the veterinarian I always hoped I could be.”
Photo By: Bailey Horn
Story By: Rylee Glazier | Vet Cetera Magazine