Three K-State veterinary students earn national Merck Animal Health scholarships
K-State veterinary medicine students Ivy Elkins, Maeve Kumke and Elizabeth Scarbrough were selected as recipients of the 2024 Merck Animal Health Scholarship, awarded to only 26 students nationwide. From Left: Ivy Elkins, Maeve Kumke and Elizabeth Scarbrough.
Three students from the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine have received the 2024 Merck Animal Health Scholarship, which was announced this summer. This scholarship awards $5,000 to second- and third-year students. Over the past few years, Merck and the American Veterinary Medical Association, or AVMF, have awarded close to 500 scholarships to veterinary students.
Fourth-year students Ivy Elkins and Elizabeth Scarbrough, and third-year student Maeve Kumke, all students in K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine who applied for the scholarship last year, were among 26 students nationwide selected to receive the award. The scholarship recognizes second- and third-year veterinary students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need and commitment to veterinary medicine.
“This scholarship serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible opportunities available through organizations like Merck Animal Health,” Elkins said. “I am committed to using this support to improve the health and well-being of both companion and production animals. I’m passionate about advocating for animal welfare in production settings, supporting producers and consulting on health protocols to ensure best practices.”
“I am truly honored to receive this scholarship from Merck Animal Health,” Kumke said. “Beyond easing the financial burden, it serves as a powerful affirmation of my passion for veterinary medicine. My goal is to become a shelter veterinarian and make a meaningful impact in underserved communities.”
“With this scholarship, I am able to pursue my concurrent Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees and future board certification in shelter medicine and community outreach with less financial stress,” Scarbrough said. “This support allows me to focus on honing my clinical and personal skills to become the best veterinarian and person I can be. I believe in being an advocate for those without advocates, and I greatly appreciate Merck and the AVMF for advocating for me.”
The Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship is awarded annually to students attending American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited schools in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.