Kansas State University

MANHATTAN — Four Kansas State University veterinary students joined the ranks of scholarship recipients in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps under the F. Edward Hébert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program.

Taylor Boles, third-year student, Auburn; Lisa Crevoiserat, third-year student, Manhattan; Kaitlin Foley, second-year student, Shawnee; and Kathleen Stewart, second-year student, Napa, California, were selected for this program at the end of the school year. The health professions scholarship pays 100 percent of the tuition for a graduate-level health care degree at any accredited medical, dental, veterinary, psychology or optometry program in the United States or Puerto Rico.

"K-State led the way in the number of veterinary scholarship recipients this year," said Staff Sgt. Erika L. Rough, the center commander in the Army Medical Recruiting Center. "K-State has phenomenal students and the Army is lucky to gain them amongst our ranks."

"We are extremely proud of our students who are willing to commit to serve our country through military service following graduation," said Ronnie Elmore, associate dean for academic programs, admissions and diversity programs in Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. "The Health Professions Scholarship Program enables our student recipients to concentrate on their veterinary educations and graduate without incurring significant educational debts. This program allows our graduates to not only serve our country competently, but also allows them to be better prepared for post-military veterinary careers."

"I am very excited by the prospect of a career as an Army veterinarian. I am proud to serve our country and to provide care for military animals, and I am also interested in working with public health," Foley said. "I am particularly interested in infectious disease control and would love to expand my research experience as an Army veterinarian, whether in disease control, food safety, or any other capacity."

"Coming from a family with a long military history, I am honored to have been given the opportunity to serve my country while still being able to pursue a career in veterinary medicine," Boles said.

Stewart said she was thrilled and grateful to receive the scholarship.

"Being an Army veterinarian will be a great way to serve my country while pursuing my passion in veterinary medicine," Stewart said. "There is such a wide variety of opportunities in the program, from working with military dogs to caring for the pets of soldiers, to food safety and public health and research. I am looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for me."

The scholarship also pays for required books, equipment and most academic fees, and it includes a monthly stipend of more than $2,000. During breaks, students receive officer's pay while training. After graduation, the students enter active duty and advance in rank to captain. One year of active duty service is required for each year the students receive the scholarship with a minimum obligation of three years.