K-State students receive scholarships for Army Veterinary Corps
Thursday, April 18, 2024
First-year veterinary students Samantha Rice, left, and Henry DeWitt, right, recently took the oath to join the Army Veterinary Corps as part of their acceptance into the Army Health Professions Scholarship Program. | Download this photo.
MANHATTAN — Two Kansas State University students in the College of Veterinary Medicine have joined the ranks of scholarship recipients in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps under the Army Health Professions Scholarship Program.
Henry DeWitt, Lawrence, and Samantha Rice, Tega Cay, South Carolina, both first-year veterinary students, were selected for this program. The health professions scholarship pays 100% 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.
"We are proud to support our students who are pursuing military careers during veterinary classes and after graduation," said James Roush, associate dean of academic programs and student success. "The Army Health Professions Scholarship Program is a monumental benefit to its student recipients, who can then focus on their veterinary and military training without incurring significant educational debt along that path."
Rice said her interest in the military started at a young age since she grew up in a military family.
"I've always had an interest in serving in the military and heard about the Veterinary Corps in high school. I thought it would be a great opportunity to serve my country while also fulfilling my passion for veterinary medicine," she said.
Rice's father, a retired Army officer, administered the military oath to his daughter at a special virtual ceremony held at the Gerald A. Rudisill Army National Guard Readiness Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
DeWitt took his oath at the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Auditorium in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
"I have wanted to join the Army Veterinary Corps since I began seriously considering a career in veterinary medicine when I was a middle schooler," DeWitt said. "I come from a long line of Army officers, and it would mean a lot to carry on that tradition. Following veterinary college, I want to work with small animals and exotic pets, hopefully in a big city, but my ultimate goal is to live day by day and do what sounds fun."
The scholarship pays for full tuition for up to four years, required books, equipment and most academic fees, and it includes a monthly stipend of $2,608 and a sign-on bonus of up to $20,000. During school 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.
