Meet the Future of Veterinary Medicine: Nebraska's Elite 11 Program is Changing the Game!

Twenty high school seniors from across Nebraska have been chosen for the second cohort of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Elite 11 Veterinarian Program, a competitive initiative aimed at boosting the number of production animal veterinarians in the state.

Launched through a partnership between Governor Jim Pillen and the university, the program addresses the critical shortage of food animal veterinarians — a key issue for Nebraska’s livestock industry, which contributes over $6 billion annually to the state’s economy.

“These students are stepping into a vital role for our rural communities and our food security,” Pillen said. “We need their skills and dedication now more than ever.”

Each student selected will receive the Nebraska Production Animal Health Scholarship, covering 50% of tuition for their first two years in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. After two years, 13 students will continue with full tuition coverage for their third and fourth years. The top Elite 11 will eventually have all tuition and fees paid for while completing their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees through Nebraska’s partnership with Iowa State University.

Students selected represent towns across Nebraska, including Big Springs, Bloomfield, Columbus, Marquette, North Bend, North Platte, and Stapleton.

“Our production animal industry is the backbone of Nebraska agriculture,” said Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “We’re investing in the future leaders who will sustain and strengthen it.”

The Elite 11 Program doesn’t just offer financial support — it fosters a tight-knit community. Chase Martin, a member of the first cohort, described how the program introduced him to the wide range of career paths in large animal veterinary medicine and helped him build strong connections with classmates.

“Having a group that’s going through the same challenges makes a huge difference,” Martin said. “Help with chemistry homework is just a phone call away.”

Building these bonds and developing professional networks early is part of what makes the program transformative, said Deb VanOverbeke, head of the Department of Animal Science.

“We’re not just creating veterinarians,” VanOverbeke said. “We’re creating a network of leaders who will shape the future of Nebraska’s livestock industry.”