OSU Veterinary Student Commissioned in Air Force

STILLWATER, Okla.—Leslie Lovett, class of 2010 at Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008, by boyfriend, Lt. Matt Andrews.

Lt. Matt Andrews swears in 2nd Lieutenant Leslie Lovett, third year veterinary student, as she is commissioned in the U.S. Air Force.

On hand for the ceremony were Sgt. Michael McWhorter, U.S. Air Force Health Professions Recruiter, Lovett’s parents, Robert and Lee Lovett of Catoosa, Okla., her brother, Robby Lovett, and his family, Dr. Michael Lorenz, professor and dean of the Veterinary Center, several faculty, staff and friends.

Lovett is no stranger to the military. Her father served in the U.S. Army stationed at Ft. Sill, Okla. Her brother has been in the Army Guard for six years and served in Afghanistan, and Andrews is currently a combat mission ready Air Battle Manager in the Air Force, which is similar to a civilian air traffic controller.

“I wanted to go into public practice, not just a private veterinary practice,” explains Lovett. “I wanted to do something on a bigger scale. This is a great way to serve my country, help pay for my education and I will have a job when I graduate. I’m really excited about this great opportunity.”

Lovett has been accepted for a Health Professions Scholarship from the Air Force. When she graduates from veterinary college, she will be promoted to Captain. Following a four-week commissioned officer training for health professionals, Lovett will serve three years as a Public Health Officer in the U.S. Air Force in either the United States or abroad.

“The Veterinary Center has long been a source of qualified veterinarians who serve in the United States military,” says Lorenz. “We work closely with the various armed forces recruiters to make sure our veterinary students are aware of the many career options that are available to graduates with a DVM degree.”

The Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is one of 28 veterinary colleges in the United States and is fully accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association. For more information, visit www.cvhs.okstate.edu or call (405) 744-7000.