Dr. Shawna Hawkins - DVM 2016
2024 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
Dr. Shawna (Cikanek) Hawkins, Omaha, Nebraska, is the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award for her notable achievements since graduating from Kansas State University. The award is presented by the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine during the Awards Brunch at the Annual Conference for Veterinarians held June 2.
Dr. Hawkins grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas. She earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 2011, master’s degree in veterinary biomedical science in 2013 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2016, all at Kansas State University. She is a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine and a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator. Dr. Hawkins is currently an associate veterinarian at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
“I am honored and humbled to accept this recognition from my alma mater,” Dr. Hawkins said. “I believe every opportunity I have been given in veterinary medicine and the milestones I have been able to achieve have been because of my roots at Kansas State, the education I received, and most importantly, the mentors and teachers I gained along the way. It is my hope that I will continue to push forward in my career, contribute to veterinary literature, and teach the next generation of zoo veterinarians in a way that makes Kansas State proud.”
“Dr. Hawkins took full advantage of the educational opportunities at Kansas State University to obtain credentials that would advantage her career trajectory,” said Dr. Bonnie Rush, Hodes Family Dean. “She has reached double digits as a published researcher and has received national recognition in her clinical specialty. She has an incredible career ahead in a competitive specialty and will serve as an excellent role model for future veterinary students.”
Dr. Hawkins’s post graduate training includes small animal medicine and surgery rotating internship at the University of Wisconsin, a specialty internship at the Phoenix Zoo, and a residency in zoological medicine through the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Milwaukee County Zoo and International Crane Foundation. In 2022, Dr. Hawkins received the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians annual resident’s award which selects one resident from among all residency training programs across all veterinary disciplines in the United States. After residency, she was a Clinical Instructor of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine at the University of Madison-Wisconsin for two years before joining the team at the Omaha Zoo.
Dr. Hawkins is a diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine, and an active member in the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Kansas State Veterinary Medical Alumni Association.
Dr. Hawkins’ family support system has always been robust but at the helm is her husband of almost seven years. Together, they have moved 8 times and lived in five different states to allow Shawna to pursue her post-graduate training in zoological medicine. They are ready and eager to put down roots in one location!