Potter-Dix Alum Hannah Kielian named one just 19 accepted into Elite 11 Veterinarian Program at UNL

LINCOLN, NE (08/30/2024)-- Hannah Kielian of Dix, an undergraduate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is among the first cohort of students to qualify for the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program, a uniquely designed program aimed at increasing the number of production animal veterinarians in the state. Those veterinarians specialize in working with farmers and ranchers who raise cattle, swine, sheep and other types of livestock and poultry.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and University of Nebraska leaders announced the creation of the competitive program in February. The 19 Husker students accepted into the program were formally recognized during an event at the Nebraska State Capitol on Aug. 26.

"These students are embarking on a challenging, yet hugely rewarding career path," said Pillen, who holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. "The demand for production animal veterinarians is high. This program is a leader in the United States. It will provide students the top-level training they need, and it will set them on a career path that will allow them to continue practicing, right here in Nebraska."

Each Elite 11 student receives the Nebraska Production Animal Health Scholarship, which covers 50% of their tuition for the first two years of study in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Nebraska. Following their second year of study, 13 are chosen for a continuation scholarship that covers 100% of their tuition during their third and fourth years. From there, the Elite 11 are selected from Nebraska's Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine to have all tuition and fees paid for while they attend the university's dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program with Iowa State University. The program aims to ease the financial burden of obtaining a veterinary degree for Husker students who commit to practicing veterinary medicine in clinics that serve large animals in Nebraska.

"The Elite 11 program is creating exactly the kind of impact we hoped it would," said Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska system. "I'm so pleased to welcome this group of talented young women and men to the University of Nebraska, and I know they will achieve great things for Nebraska agriculture and the veterinary industry in the years to come. I want to thank CASNR Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss for her vision on this important effort and Gov. Pillen for his leadership and support every step of the way."

Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett said the program exemplifies the university's dedication to academic excellence and community impact.

"By developing these exceptional students into future veterinarians, we are addressing a crucial need in the agricultural sector and ensuring that our university remains a leader in nurturing talent that supports Nebraska communities," he said. "This program is a reflection of our commitment to empowering students and advancing the welfare of our state."

For the full list of Elite 11 students, visit https://go.unl.edu/dw87.