Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine
Mad About Bunny: Veterinary students learn effective communication skills
Second-year veterinary student Abigail Schnapper role-plays having a difficult conversation with a client, played by fourth-year veterinary student Kat Murphy. College alumnus Dr. Harrison Reid observes and provides feedback.
July 24, 2025
Words and photo by Jens Odegaard
Veterinarians spend their time making medical and health care decisions for patients that can’t verbally communicate. So, veterinary students need to be able to effectively communicate with the clients who own or care for these animals.
Raising Newton: Puppy raised by vet students graduates as Guide Dog for the Blind
Newton and his handler Kristi pose with Erin Nemivant and Emmie Starchvick after Newton's graduation ceremony.
Emmie Starchvick and Erin Nemivant, both fourth-year veterinary students at the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine co-raised Newton, a black Labrador puppy, for Guide Dogs for the Blind during their second years.
Educating with 'expertise and empathy': Dr. Jennifer Johns wins top teaching award
Dr. Jennifer Johns and her dog Luna enjoy a bluebird day on the Oregon Coast.
June 24, 2025
Every year, each member school of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges selects an educator to receive the Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award. Recipients are chosen in recognition of their character and leadership qualities as well as their outstanding teaching abilities, as voted by the students.
2025 Scholarships and Awards
Thanks to our generous donors, this year we distributed more than $380,000 in scholarships and awards to our students!
Students were recognized, along with recipients of the faculty and house officer awards, during our annual Scholarships and Awards Ceremony and Senior Banquet and Awards Ceremony.
Congratulations to this year's honorees, and a special thank you to our sponsors and donors!
Anna Justice
Anna L. Justice supports both the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Pharmacy as the Senior Director of Development. In this role, she is a front-line fundraiser responsible for implementing and executing a comprehensive development program across both colleges.
Sarah Kate Ringelmann
Hi! My name is Sarah Kate (or SK), and my husband and I recently relocated to Oregon in June of 2023. Before coming to OSU, I was working as a Mental Health Therapist for Mississippi College. I am so excited to return to being a counselor. Supporting individuals that are helper/healers is something that I am passionate about – and I cannot wait to bring that passion to the students here! In my free time, I enjoy Crossfit, reading, and (slowly) figuring out how to garden. We just got a puppy! It took less than one year at VetMed to happen.
'Helping people in the helping professions' drives new student counselor
Sarah Kate Griffin joined the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine as wellness coordinator/counselor in early September. "Supporting individuals that are helper/healers is something that I am passionate about – and I cannot wait to bring that passion to the students here!" she said. "In my free time, I enjoy Crossfit, reading and (slowly) figuring out how to garden. We don’t have a puppy yet, but that’s on our list this year, so welcoming all recommendations!"