College of Veterinary Medicine celebrates 2026 scholarship and award recipients

Published on May 5, 2026

Story contact: Deidra Ashley, CVMMarCom@missouri.edu

Each year, the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine celebrates its scholarship and award recipients. Here are this year’s honorees:

Dr. and Mrs. Leslie Murphy Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes a graduating senior with the highest accumulative GPA over all four years.

Recipient: Nick Tran

Mary T. Wernert, DVM ’86 Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Dr. Mary T. Wernert, this award recognizes a graduating senior, selected by the VM4 class, who exemplifies a high standard of patient care.

Recipient: Randi Westhoff

Nelson Stone Scholarship

This award recognizes a third- or fourth-year student from Southeast Missouri who aspires to become a small animal veterinarian and demonstrates dedication and potential in the veterinary field.

Recipient: Caroline Shaw

Scott Pierce Scholarship in Equine Medicine

This award recognizes a third- or fourth-year student who demonstrates interest and proficiency in equine medicine and surgery along with a strong commitment to positive collaboration with fellow students, faculty, and CVM staff.

Recipient: Caroline Shaw

Ruth Elizabeth Johnston Memorial Scholarship

This award recognizes a third-year student who has demonstrated proficiency in food animal clinical sciences and ambulatory services.

Recipient: Millie Mayo

Kenneth and Barbara Levy Residency Award

Recipients: Dr. Elizabeth Martin, Dr. Jackie Sankisov, Dr. Miranda McBeath, Dr. Aaron Sieve

MVMA Auxiliary Scholarship

This award recognizes a second-year student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership in veterinary school and community activities, and professionalism veterinary medicine.

Recipient: Cade Gustafson

Microbiology Award

This award is presented to a second-year student for outstanding proficiency and interest in veterinary microbiology.

Recipient: Mary Capps

Emi Meyer Imagination Award

This award honors Emi Meyer, a dedicated CVM staff member, and recognizes a student who demonstrates imaginative and innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Recipient: Scott Miller

Marshel O. and Helen W. Gordon Scholarship

This award recognizes a Boone or Callaway County, Missouri high school graduate who is in good academic standing.

Recipient: Matthew Beshears

Eagle Animal Hospital Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes a VM1 student whose application to the Veterinary Research Scholars Program (VRSP) demonstrates excellent research potential.

Recipient: Shannon Draper

Dr. James Creed Scholarship

This award recognizes a VM2 student who has demonstrated excellence in the Veterinary Research Scholars Program (VRSP) program.

Recipient: Martina Gooden

Roseboom/SAVMA Scholarship

Recipients: Cade Gustafson, Jacob Moyer

Robert J. and E. Marlese Gourley Scholarships

This award recognizes students in the College of Veterinary Medicine who have excelled academically and shown outstanding leadership in extracurricular activities, both on their campus and within their community.

Recipients: Taylor Abmeyer, Zara Batterman, Samantha Doisy, Isabel Lee, Blair Roades, Emma Sellers

Sherry Lynn Volk Memorial Scholarship

This award recognizes a second- or third-year student who has demonstrated community service and outreach.

Recipient: Olivia Jacobson

Nestle Purina Award for Excellence in Pet Care and Nutrition

This award recognizes a veterinary student who has demonstrated excellence and interest in companion animal nutrition.

Recipient: Peter Sheng

Banfield Endowed Scholarship in Honor of Dr. James E. Nave

This award recognizes a third- or fourth-year student in the top half of their class who demonstrates leadership in organized veterinary medicine and an interest or background in business.

Recipient: Grace McIntosh

 Zelda Dane Scholarship in Veterinary Medicine

This award recognizes a veterinary student who demonstrates strong character and exceptional potential in veterinary medicine.e collaboration with fellow students, faculty, and CVM staff.

Recipient: Natalie Scott

James Robert Long Memorial Scholarship

Recipient: Olivia Noack

Judy Roberts Memorial Scholarship

This award recognizes a fourth-year student who demonstrates interest and aptitude in oncology, benefitting both animals and humans.

Recipient: Emma Ross

FelineVMA Outstanding Senior Award

This award recognizes a graduating senior who demonstrates a dedication to the study of feline health and wellbeing.

Recipient: Corynn Lewis

American College of Veterinary Surgeons Student Award 

This award recognizes a graduating senior who demonstrates academic and clinical proficiency in large animal surgery.

Recipient: Megan Rice

American Animal Hospital Association Award for Proficiency in Primary Care

This award recognizes a fourth-year student who demonstrates outstanding clinical proficiency in veterinary primary care.

Recipient: Nick Tran

Dr. Tracei Holder Scholarship in Veterinary Medicine

Honoring Dr. Holder’s commitment to excellence, this award recognizes a third- or fourth-year student who demonstrates outstanding care to their patients and clients.

Recipient: Scott Miller

VECCS Award for Excellence in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care

This award recognizes a fourth-year student for outstanding commitment and excellence in emergency and critical care.

Recipient: Marika Austad

Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog Scholarship

Recipient: Tina Rossi

Lloyd Selby Award

This award, established in honor of the late Dr. Lloyd Selby, recognizes a student who has outstanding interest and proficiency in public health and epidemiology.

Recipient: Evelyn VanDenBerg

Theriogenology Award

This award recognizes an outstanding student who has demonstrated excellence in the Theriogenology course. 

Recipient: Jessica Warwick

Paul and Earlene Nicoletti Scholarship

This award recognizes a third- or fourth-year student with an interest in food animal medicine and surgery. 

Recipient: Randi Westhoff

Cale Estabrook Scholarship

Created in loving memory of Cale Estabrook who passed away in 2005 during his third-year of vet school, this award honors a third-year student who shows a strong interest and proficiency in food animal medicine.

Recipient: Rachel Keilholz

Abby Magnolia Scholarship

This scholarship honors Abby Magnolia, a 12-year-old dog who was rescued from a serious hoarding situation, and recognizes a first-, second-, or third-year student with a strong commitment to rescue groups, shelters and community outreach.

Recipient: Erin Wiley

Bridget, Bailey, Josie, Connor and Hope Scholarship

Recipient: Allison Holdsworth

Robert Miller Food Animal Proficiency Award

This award recognizes the achievement of two fourth-year veterinary students most proficient in food animal medicine, surgery, reproduction, and production medicine.

Recipients: Kirby Latimer, Alana Miller

English Practitioner Award

This award recognizes a graduating senior most likely to succeed in a general practice due to exceptional proficiency in both large and small animal medicine and surgery.

Recipient: Baylee Stapleton

Ann Miller Roth, DVM ’88 and Jerome Roth, DVM ’74 Scholarship

This award recognizes third- or fourth-year students exhibiting a life’s passion for the field of equine veterinary medicine and public service. 

Recipients: Taylor Abmeyer, April Bean-Davis, Erin Drake, Emily Helmick, Brieley Koehler, Millie Mayo, Taylor Pierce, Codie Jo Tupa, Maggy Bowling

Histology and Embryology Award

This award recognizes a VM1 student who has excelled in Histology and Embryology

Recipient: Meg Morrow

Dr. Barry S. Kipperman Scholarship in Veterinary Medicine

This award recognizes a first-, second-, or third-year student in the top half of their class who demonstrates exceptional promise in the veterinary profession through enthusiasm and a strong work ethic. 

Recipient: Samantha Doisy

Cardiology Award

This award recognizes an outstanding student in cardiology.

Recipient: Matthew McHenry

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals Award

Recipients: Thad Doolin, Mason Hedgecorth, Evelyn VanDenBerg

Breanna Marie Killian Scholarship

In memory of Breanna Marie Killian (Class of 2024) this award honors a VM2, VM3, or VM4 student who reflects her curiosity, drive, adventurous spirit, kindness, and compassion for zoo and exotic animals.

Recipient: Jacob Pearson

Wildlife and Exotic Medicine Award

Endowed by Dr. Gary Weddle, an alumnus of the College of Veterinary Medicine who played a key role in establishing the raptor program, this award recognizes third- or fourth-year students who have demonstrated exceptional proficiency and interest in wildlife or exotic animal medicine.  

Recipients: Grace McIntosh, Jen Pederson, Emily Ginther, Yoomin Jo

John W. Pierce Scholarship in Mixed Animal Veterinary Medicine

This award recognizes a fourth-year student who is in the top half of their class and demonstrates an interest in mixed animal veterinary medicine. 

Recipient: Jessica Warwick

Miss America Scholarship in Veterinary Medicine

Endowed by the Miss America Pageant in honor of Debbye Turner Bell (Miss America 1990 and CVM alumna), this scholarship recognizes a VM2 female student selected by her class for leadership, community service promoting the veterinary profession, and academic excellence.

Recipient: Erin Smith-Pettry

 J. E. Salsbury Scholarship

This award recognizes fourth-year students who show academic excellence, initiative, perseverance, and leadership in challenging situations.

Recipients: Hailey Mann, Jen Pederson, Natalie Scott, Kylie Philips

Robert M. Tugel, DVM, Scholarship

Established by Robert M. Tugel, DVM, this award honors Dr. Kenneth Niemeyer’s dedication to mentoring future veterinarians.  It recognizes second- or third-year students with a strong interest in large animal or equine medicine.

Recipients: Taylor Abmeyer, Emilee Koester, Taylor Pierce, Codie Jo Tupa, Tanner Wallace

Karen L. Campbell Scholarship

Recipient: Matthew McHenry

Tri-State Kennel Club Veterinary Medicine Scholarship

This award recognizes a veterinary student who demonstrates a profound passion for companion animals and is pursuing a career in small animal medicine. 

Recipient: Scott Miller

Nancy Langworthy & Harry Feirman Scholarship

This award recognizes one or more students in the College of Veterinary Medicine who are Missouri residents.

Recipients: Murphy Park, Dylan Lohss

Veterinary Medicine Class of 1981 Scholarship 

This award recognizes a third-year student(s) who demonstrates class leadership, a strong work ethic, integrity, and a willingness to help others.

Recipients: Ben Casto, Caileigh Ramirez-Icaza

Louise Nichols Veterinary Medicine Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes a third- or fourth-year student who demonstrates concern and compassion for the human-animal bond and exhibits exceptional client communication.

Recipient: Alana Miller

Dr. Eugene Donnelly Scholarship

This award honors a student who recognizes the vital role pets play in fostering emotional connections, and who is from Clay or Platte County, Missouri.

Recipient: Laurel Burns

MU Pre-Veterinary Medicine Scholarship

This award recognizes two first-year students who are active in the Pre-Vet Club activities and/or leadership.

Recipients: Shannon Draper, Emma Sellers

Adele Buescher Scholarship

This award recognizes the top second-, third-, and fourth-year students who exemplify integrity, compassion, courage, and fairness, demonstrating strong character and a commitment to doing what is right, even in challenging situations.

Recipients: Caleb Christiansen, Brianna Hoey, Ashlynn Lewis, Natalie Scott

Dr. Jeffrey Shikles, Class of 1988 Memorial Scholarship

In memory of Dr. Jeffrey Shikles (Class of 1988), this award recognizes a third- or fourth-year student with a strong interest in both equine and small animal care, excellent rapport with animals and owners, and a genuine compassion for all living things.

Recipient: Randi Westhoff

Dr. Kurt Miller Scholarship

In honor of Dr. Kurt Miller (CVM Class of ’95), this award recognizes a third- or fourth-year student dedicated to companion animal medicine and excellence in clinical care and client education.

Recipient: Claire Merriman

Needles Brooker Scholarship

This award recognizes a student who exemplifies veterinary compassion and demonstrates a meaningful understanding of the human-animal bond and the relationship it fosters.

Recipient: Angelina Johnson

VCS Bob Rosenthal Student Award

This award recognizes a fourth-year student or visiting scholar for proficiency in the care of veterinary oncology patients and aptitude in clinical oncology.

Recipient: Elizabeth Maune

Stanley Smith Memorial Scholarship

This award recognizes one first-year student in the College of Veterinary Medicine who is in good academic standing.

Recipient: Lucca Dunser

A.H. Groth Student Research Award

Recipient: Scott Miller

Lucy B. Davis Scholarship in Small Animal Medicine & Surgery

Two awards – one for small animal medicine and one for small animal surgery – are presented to third- or fourth-year students who exhibit outstanding interest, academic excellence, clinical proficiency, and exceptional client relations in their respective areas. 

Recipients: Jen Pederson, Matthew Bulford

William H. Fales Clinical Veterinary Microbiology Award

This award recognizes an undergraduate, graduate, professional veterinary medicine student or post-doctoral student who demonstrates an exceptional interest and proficiency in diagnostic veterinary microbiology. 

Recipient: Dr. Ridwan Adesola

James L. Tomlinson Small Animal Surgery Award 

This award recognizes a resident in small animal surgery who demonstrates expertise in the areas of technical skill, patient care, client communication, and intent to advance the profession.   

Recipient: Dr. Kate Cotnoir

Redhage Awards

These awards are presented to residents entering their final year of residency who have demonstrated an interest and proficiency in canine medicine/surgery and strong client/patient/veterinarian relationship skills and characteristics.

Recipients: Dr. Jessica Brune, Dr. Jackie Sankisov, Dr. Ki Tae Kim, Dr. Allison Valentijn, Dr. Heather Reid

Don Blenden Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship, established in memory of Dr. Don Blenden, recognizes a third- or fourth-year student aspiring to pursue a career in veterinary public health.

Recipient: Dan Cook

Virginia L. Busch Scholarship

This award recognizes second-year veterinary medicine students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, character, and integrity.

Recipients: Katarzyna Chlost, Morgan Patterson, Kyleigh Stagner

Steven & Laurie Holmstrom Dental Practice Scholarship

Recipient: Becky Grace

Dr. Edgar Ebert Memorial Awards

This scholarship recognizes two fourth-year students – one in large animal medicine and surgery, and one in small animal medicine and surgery – who have demonstrated academic excellence, good citizenship, and leadership.

Recipients: Matthew McHenry, Baylee Stapleton

L.N. Atkinson, DVM  Memorial Award

This award honors Dr. Adkinson and recognizes an intern who has demonstrated interest and proficiency in canine medicine and surgery.

Recipients: Dr. Rachel Stucky, Dr. Michael Thomas

Michael Joyner, DVM Scholarship

Established by Dr. Michael Joyner (CVM Class of 1984), this scholarship recognizes a CVM student pursuing a career in exotic animal medicine.

Recipient: Sophie Endacott

Zoo Club Scholarship

This award recognizes a third- or fourth-year student who is an active member of the Student Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians and is pursuing (or has completed) a preceptorship/externship in zoo, wildlife, or exotic medicine.

Recipient: Leyton Rebori

 Kennedy Entreprenurial Scholarship

This award recognizes a CVM student who expresses an interest in entrepreneurship and clinic ownership.

Recipient: Scott Miller

Cora and Ben Geisert Heritage Fund

This award recognizes a fourth-year student who is preparing to enter small animal practice. 

Recipient: Marika Austad

H. Richard Adams Scholarship

Recipient: Paige Durham

Dana Gillig, DVM, West Central VMA Scholarship

This award recognizes a fourth-year student who plans to practice food animal or mixed animal medicine in Missouri.

Recipient: April Bean-Davis

Beth Furbeck Myers Memorial Scholarship

This award recognizes a veterinary student who exemplifies outstanding character, integrity, kindness, and inclusivity to all.

Recipient: Tina Rossi

Nestle Purina Award for Excellence in Nutritional Management of Surgical Patients

This award recognizes a fourth-year student who demonstrates excellence in postsurgical nutritional management and promotes the importance of nutrition in patient recovery.

Recipient: Alana Miller

Gilbreath-McLorn Scholarships

These scholarships recognize VM1 – VM4 veterinary students, selected by their respective classes, who demonstrate excellence in clinical ability, leadership, professionalism, and ethics.

Recipient: Nick Tran

Kansas City Veterinary Medical  Association Award 

This award recognizes a fourth-year student who plans to practice veterinary medicine in Kansas City, MO/KS or surrounding areas.

Recipient: Scott Miller

Three Rivers Kennel Club Scholarship

This award recognizes CVM students from select St. Louis counties pursuing careers in small animal practice or research.

Recipients: Taylor Abmeyer, Clara Goebel

Phillip J. Shanker, D.V.M. Scholarship in Feline Medicine

Recipient: Jen Pederson

Roger Dustin Shaw Memorial Scholarship

This award is presented to students from Howell, Oregon, Ripley or Shannon County, Missouri who are in good academic standing.

Recipients: Bryce Friga, James Snodgrass, Abby Roach

E. R. Price Public Health Scholarship

This award recognizes a CVM graduate student or resident who demonstrates motivation and dedication in Public Health.

Recipient: Dr. Ridwan Adesola

Molecular and Cell Biology Award

This award recognizes an outstanding VM1 student for performance in molecular and cell biology. 

Recipient: Meg Morrow

Anatomy Award

This award recognizes a VM1 student who demonstrates outstanding proficiency, interest, and ability in anatomy.

Recipient: Hope Humphries

Ives Cardiff Scholarship

This award recognizes a student entering companion animal practice who demonstrates compassion and a strong aptitude for the human-animal bond.

Recipient: Sarah Mueller

Kevin Wayne King Memorial Scholarship

This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated dedication to becoming a compassionate and competent veterinarian.

Recipient: Scott Miller

Harrison-Kaplan Online Teaching Award

Recipient: Dr. Brenda Beerntsen

Carl Frederick Fischer and George Franklin Fischer Veterinary Medicine Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes a third- or fourth-year student who excels in food animal medicine, with outstanding clinical skills, dedication to animal welfare, and commitment to the veterinary profession.

Recipient: Garrett Lance

Earl S.C. Stuart Memorial Scholarship

This award recognizes a third- or fourth-year student(s) who shows strong potential for the future, through resilience, compassion, and professional excellence. 

Recipients: Kayla Forlenza, Marika Austad

Kenneth H. Niemeyer Award in Veterinary Medicine

Endowed by the CVM Alumni Association in honor of Kenneth H. Niemeyer (Class of 1955), this award recognizes one second-year and one third-year student chosen by their classmates for integrity, leadership, strong interpersonal skills, and promotion of the veterinary profession.

Recipients: Morgan Patterson, Angelina Johnson

Southeast Jefferson Saddle Club Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes third- or fourth-year student(s) who have a strong interest and demonstrated aptitude for equine medicine and/or surgery.  

Recipients: Emma Bryant, Natalie Eaton, Alyssa Hale, Madison Otte, Megan Rice, Iris Xing, Connor Christensen, Janae Wiley

Joy and George Shelton  Veterinary Medical Scholarship

This award recognizes a third-year student who demonstrates leadership skills and involvement in organized veterinary medicine.

Recipient: Karen Rigdon

Frank Wells Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes a fourth-year student(s) who demonstrates outstanding community service and leadership abilities.

Recipients: Taylor Abmeyer, Jenelle Catalina

MO Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship

Recipients: Kirby Latimer, Matthew McHenry

Bowlin Family Scholarship

This award is renewable for three years and recognizes a second-year student from Northwest Missouri who is interested in mixed animal medicine.

Recipient: Cade Gustafson

Jenny Phillips Seggerman Scholarship

This award recognizes a third- or fourth-year student hailing from a St. Louis or St. Charles, MO county who has a desire to return home to practice small animal medicine.

Recipient: Randi Westhoff

Veterinary Parasitology Award

This award recognizes a second-year student who exhibits academic excellence, enthusiasm, and excitement for parasitology.

Recipient: Mary Capps

Physiology Award

This award recognizes a VM1 student who has excelled in Physiology.

Recipient: Cadence Wood

Columbia Kennel Club Scholarship

This award recognizes a third- or fourth-year student who is interested in canine medicine.

Recipient: Grace McIntosh

Wesley Darnell Scholarship

This award recognizes a third- or fourth-year student from Northwest Missouri who is pursuing a career, and has excelled in, large animal medicine.

Recipient: Tanner Wallace

Richard T. Riegel Scholarship

Recipient: Tina Rossi

Drs. David and Elizabeth Frazier Memorial Scholarship

This award recognizes a first-, second-, or third-year student who exemplifies outstanding professional potential and academic excellence. Applicants were invited to select a principle from the Veterinarian’s Oath and describe how it has shaped their journey through veterinary school.

Recipient: Taylor Abmeyer

Dr. Joe McGinity Food Animal Scholarship Fund

This scholarship recognizes a second-year student who has an interest in food animal medicine and surgery, production veterinary medicine and/or agricultural veterinary medicine.

Recipient: Erin Smith-Pettry

Dr. Ken White Veterinary Medicine Scholarship

This award recognizes a second-year student in the top half of their class who shows a strong commitment to mixed-animal practice in rural Missouri and active leadership in student organizations.

Recipient: Alexis Lloyd

Swine Proficiency Award

This award recognizes an outstanding fourth-year student for proficiency in swine medicine.

Recipient: Randi Westhoff

Frank E. and Ena Hickerson Rhoads Scholarship 

This award recognizes second-, third-, and/or fourth-year students who rank in the upper 10% of their class, demonstrate excellent moral character, and reflect dignity and adherence to veterinary medical ethics through their personal statement.

Recipients: Anika Hawes, Erin McPike, Rachel Keilholz, Shelby Stille, Lily Kent

Dr. And Mrs. Leon Russell Scholarship  

This scholarship recognizes a third- or fourth-year student who has demonstrated leadership in 
organized veterinary medicine.

Recipient: Scott Miller

Thelma Zalk Veterinary Medicine Scholarship

Recipient: April Bean-Davis, Laurel Burns, Caitlin Gacke, Heather Gaudette, Angelina Johnson, Grace McIntosh, Alyssa Moore, Ellie Noe, Morgan Patterson, Haylee Payne, Tina Rossi, Miranda Streicher, Juliette Struble, Alyson Cook, Savannah Gay

SAVMA Teaching Award for Basic Sciences

First- and second-year SAVMA members select one faculty member who has made immense contributions to the student’s education and progression through the veterinary curriculum.

Recipient: Dr. Rowena Woode

SAVMA Teaching Award for Clinical Sciences

Third- and fourth-year SAVMA members select one faculty member who has shown outstanding dedication to student learning, clinical growth, and professional development.

Recipient: Dr. Laurie Frasher

Intern Teaching Award

This award, voted by the VM4 class, recognizes an intern who has made the greatest impact on students’ clinical experience through teaching and extra support.

Recipient: Dr. Rachel Stucky

Resident Teaching Award

This award, voted by the VM4 class, recognizes a resident who has made the greatest impact on students’ clinical experience through teaching and extra support.

Recipient: Dr. Brooke Lee

Technician Award

This award, voted on by the VM4 class, recognizes an outstanding VHC technician whom they feel has made a significant impact on their clinical experience.

Recipient: Kendra Cullison

Golden Aesculapius Teaching Awards

These awards honor exceptional teachers who provide both classroom instruction to first- and second-year students and clinical instruction to third- and fourth-year students, with recipients being selected by each respective class.

Recipients: Dr. Rowena Woode (Class of 2029), Dr. Michelle DeCourcey (Class of 2028), Dr. Celeste Morris (Class of 2027), Dr. Laurie Frasher (Class of 2026)

Elmer and Virginia Florman Scholarship

This scholarship was established to assist in the support of one first-year student who is in good academic standing and a Missouri high school graduate. It is renewable for three consecutive years.

Recipient: Grace Lloyd

Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award

This award recognizes an outstanding teacher who, through ability, dedication, character, and leadership, contributes significantly to the advancement of the profession. The recipient is chosen by the student body.

Recipient: Dr. Tamara Hancock

The George H. Dadd Award

This award honors exceptional teaching in veterinary medicine, as recognized by peers, and commemorates Dr. George H. Dadd for his leadership in advancing veterinary education, clinical practice, and scientific integrity.

Recipient: Dr. Annabelle Burnum-Looney