Twenty-one students from across the Cornhusker State have been selected for the newest cohort of the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program, a highly competitive University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) initiative designed to address the state’s shortage of food animal veterinarians.
The program, a partnership with the state of Nebraska, supports students pursuing careers in production animal veterinary medicine and aims to strengthen veterinary services in rural communities across the state.
Nebraska’s livestock industry contributes billions of dollars annually to the state’s economy and remains a cornerstone of rural communities. Veterinarians play a critical role in maintaining animal health, supporting food security, responding to disease concerns and advancing the long-term sustainability of animal agriculture.
“Nebraska agriculture and rural communities depend on strong veterinary leadership,” said Tom Burkey, interim dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “Programs like Elite 11 help us invest in talented students who are passionate about animal health, food systems and serving communities across Nebraska. These students represent the future of veterinary medicine in our state.”
The following students, listed alphabetically by hometown, were selected for the newest cohort of the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program:
• Alliance: Ryggin Meyer.
• Columbus: Kobe Micek, Josie Rother.
• Daykin: Olivia Schafer.
• Fairbury: Gavin Gerths.
• Foster: Ava Reikofski.
• Geneva: Austyn Nun.
• Gothenburg: Abby Negley.
• Kennard: Lydia Schaapveld.
• Newcastle: Ava Stewart.
• North Platte: Jazlyn Arensdorf.
• Papillion: Ty Ravnsborg.
• Polk: Rylee Hofmann.
• Raymond: Khloe Cuttlers.
• Richland: Brielle Wolfe.
• Scribner: Grace Steel.
• Seward: Kathryn Naber.
• Syracuse: Kyle Cavanaugh.
• West Point: Cooper Kreikemeier.
• Wolbach: Katlyn Oakley.
• Wood River: Madden Brabec.
Students selected for the program receive the Nebraska Production Animal Health Scholarship, which supports tuition during their undergraduate studies in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Students who continue through the program and are selected for the Elite 11 ultimately receive support while completing the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine, a cooperative program between UNL and the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
The program is designed to reduce the financial burden of veterinary education for Nebraska students who commit to practicing production animal veterinary medicine in the state following graduation.
In addition to scholarship support, students participate in professional development, mentorship opportunities and networking experiences designed to prepare them for careers serving Nebraska’s livestock industry and rural communities.
The Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program reflects the university’s broader commitment to workforce development, agricultural leadership and supporting the long-term success of Nebraska animal agriculture. — Nebraska Extension
