Lincoln, Neb. —The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is extending the application deadline for the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program to April 19, offering aspiring veterinarians an extended opportunity to apply for this groundbreaking scholarship initiative.
Introduced on Feb. 29 by Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program is designed to bolster the number of veterinarians serving livestock producers statewide. It provides substantial financial support to Nebraska students pursuing degrees in animal science or veterinary science at UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
Governor Pillen emphasized the critical need for production animal veterinarians, not only in Nebraska but across the nation. "Through this collaboration with UNL, Nebraska will be a leader in boosting the number of graduates in this field," Governor Pillen stated.
Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett expressed strong support for the program, highlighting its alignment with UNL's strategic goals. "The Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program aligns with two key aims of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln — attracting, retaining, and graduating Nebraska’s best and brightest students, and contributing to resolving pressing issues within the state of Nebraska," Chancellor Bennett said.
The scholarship initiative aims to address the shortage of food animal veterinarians, particularly in rural areas, where the livestock industry is a significant contributor to the economy. By providing financial assistance, the Elite 11 Program aims to remove barriers to veterinary training and encourage more students to pursue careers in food animal veterinary medicine.
Under the revised application timeline, up to 25 first-time freshmen will receive the Nebraska Aspiring Animal Production Veterinarians Program Scholarship, covering 50% of their tuition for the first two years. After the second year, up to 13 scholarship recipients will be awarded a continuation scholarship, covering 100% of tuition for the third and fourth years of study. Ultimately, 11 students will be selected as part of the Elite 11, receiving full tuition and fees for UNL’s professional program in veterinary medicine.
Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss expressed gratitude for the support from the state of Nebraska in making this program possible. "This is an important program that will have a big impact on our state, our agriculture industry, and on the students who take part in it," Dean Heng-Moss remarked.
Graduates of the Elite 11 Program commit to staying in Nebraska and practicing as production-animal veterinarians for eight years. Interested students are encouraged to visit the program's website for application instructions. Applications will be accepted through April 19, with scholarship recipients to be notified in late May.