Dechra Awards $60,000 in Scholarships, Announces 2025 Recipients
Monday, March 16, 2026
Partnership with American Veterinary Medical Foundation supports students, strengthens investment in future of veterinary medicine
Overland Park, Kan. (March 16, 2026) — Dechra, a global leader in veterinary specialty care, today announced the 2025 recipients of $60,000 in scholarships through its ongoing partnership with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). Awarded to veterinary and veterinary technician students who have demonstrated academic excellence and meaningful contributions to the profession, the total amount represents a $10,000 increase from the previous year.
Dechra has recognized five veterinary technicians, in addition to 20 veterinary students specialized in four therapy disciplines: Dermatology, Equine Sports Medicine, Internal Medicine and — a newly added scholarship category — Anesthesia, Surgery or Critical Care.
“Financial investment in veterinary students remains a long-term priority for Dechra,” said Dr Tim Smaha, Manager, Veterinary Professional Services Inside Sales and Academic Relations. “Over the past several years, the company has invested nearly $1 million in veterinary education through scholarships, mentorship opportunities, hands-on learning experiences, and educational programs reaching thousands of students annually.”
Dechra’s investment continues to support future leaders dedicated to advancing animal health and welfare.
"The AVMF is thrilled to round out another successful year of partnership with Dechra Veterinary Products,” says Danielle Johnson, Executive Director of the AVMF. “Dechra’s scholarship programs for veterinary and veterinary technician students are incredibly important and we see the tangible impact in the gratitude of the recipients year over year. We take great pride in the trust that Dechra has placed in the AVMF to continue managing these programs that serve the veterinary student community and support the future of the profession."
List of 2025 Scholarship Recipients
Dechra Veterinary Technician Scholarship Winners
Bryan Alonso Rios, University of Puerto Rico Arecibo
Raimi Bernal, Oklahoma State University
Ryan Johns, University of Massachusetts
Wendy Osborn, Madison College
Rebecca Randall, Alfred State College
Dechra Veterinary Scholarship Winners
Anesthesia, Surgery or Critical Care
I’Qulah Johnson, University of Georgia
Nailah Smith, Purdue University
Alison Lynch, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Gabriela Gonzalez, Western University – California
Morgan Bevis, University of Florida
Dermatology
Christina Lim, University of Missouri
Gabriella Lopez, Lincoln Memorial University
Liliana Johnson, Iowa State University
Nicole Land, St. George’s University
Emma Lauth, Western University – California
Equine Sports Medicine
Kerstyn Countrymann, Cornell University
Brittany Reed, Virginia-Maryland
Anna Rickard, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Lindsay Taylor, Texas A&M University
Daniel Fields, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Internal Medicine
Catalina Perez, Oklahoma State University
Catherine Arnold, Lincoln Memorial University
Tommy Butler, Texas Tech University
Helena Trevor, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Nevada Gehman, Lincoln Memorial University
Student Voices Reflecting Scholarship Impact
“I feel immensely privileged to have been chosen as one of the recipients… This award validates my commitment and makes it possible to pursue a clinical experience otherwise out of reach.” – Daniel Fields, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
“Receiving this award means a great deal to me… The monetary support will pay the tuition for my final semester and lift a significant financial burden.” – Wendy Osborn, Madison College
“The scholarship reduces my financial burden, allowing me to become the best veterinarian I can be.” – Tommy Butler, Texas Tech University
“This scholarship affirms the hard work and passion I have poured into becoming the best veterinarian I can be… I am forever thankful to Dechra for making a difference for countless animals.” – Catalina Perez, Oklahoma State University
Dechra’s Broader Commitment to Veterinary Education
Dechra’s partnership with AVMF reflects its broader charitable and educational mission. Beyond scholarships, the company supports students through mentorship programs, the Student Ambassador Program, educational events reaching thousands annually, and Diversity Vet Med scholarships as part of its overall giving strategy.
Learn More
To learn more about Dechra’s veterinary and veterinary technician scholarships through AVMF, visit:
About AVMF
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) is the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. For almost 60 years, AVMF has been dedicated to developing resources to advance the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health. Foundation programs and activities are designed to benefit veterinary medicine, promote animal welfare, and enhance research so that the profession is better prepared to deal with difficult problems facing animal health today and tomorrow. Charitable contributions and support to the Foundation assist veterinarians and the entire veterinary healthcare team help animals. Our funding priorities include Education, Disaster Relief, Crisis Support, Charitable Veterinary Care and Animal Health Research.
About Dechra
Dechra is a global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products. The company focuses on the development, manufacturing, and marketing of high-quality veterinary products to support animal health and welfare worldwide. For more information, visit: www.dechra.com.
Media Contact
Lauren Dorsch
913-914-6903
Lauren.Dorsch@dechra.com
