COMMENCEMENT DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR / CVHS Dr. Rachel Kinser hooded her husband, Shawn Kinser, in the Class of <strong>2015</strong>. A Good Word SHAWN KINSER CREDITS POPE FAMILY WITH VETERINARY INSPIRATION Shawn Kinser, who grew up in Boswell, Okla., is among the 88 veterinary students earning a DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in <strong>2015</strong>. He thought about going to medical school for a long time, but once he started working at Boswell Animal Kare, the Pope family of veterinarians changed his mind. 70 Center for <strong>Vet</strong>erinary Health Sciences
“EVERY DAY IS DIFFERENT AND IT HAS BEEN SUCH A PLEASURE INTERACTING WITH THE CLINICIANS AND STAFF AT THE VETERINARY MEDICAL HOSPITAL WHILE WE SERVE PEOPLE WHO TRUST THE HEALTH OF THEIR ANIMALS TO US.” “I fell in love with the work,” recalls Kinser. “Caring for animals quickly became my passion, and I looked for any opportunity to be around the vet clinic where Drs. Stanley, Stanna, Corey and Megan Pope all worked. They taught me a great deal and mentored me while I was in high school. They were very influential in my decision to pursue veterinary medicine. I attribute a lot of who I am today to them and their investments in me.” “Initially Shawn walked dogs and cleaned cages,” says Dr. Stanna Pope (OSU ’05). “He was soon promoted to small animal assistant, impressing us with his knowledge, initiative and determination. From such a young age, he exuded a strong work ethic and high moral values.” And the Drs. Pope, all OSU alumni, also influenced Kinser’s decision on where he would study his craft. “OSU always had a glowing reputation when I heard anyone talk about its veterinary school,” Kinser says. “Working with OSU alumni was definitely a strong factor. I wanted to be part of all the good things they told me about OSU’s veterinary college. A few times during high school I visited Stillwater with the Popes and fell in love with the town and the college.” He fell in love with more than Stillwater and OSU, meeting and marrying Rachel Steinman. The couple married in June 2013, one month after Rachel earned her DVM degree from OSU. Since graduation, she has been working in a mixed animal practice with three other OSU alumni. “I do primarily small animal work at Pond Creek <strong>Vet</strong>erinary Clinic,” she says. “Dr. Harry James, an OSU distinguished alumnus, started the practice in 1960. His daughter, Dr. Stephanie Slaving (OSU ’98) and Dr. Pete Streck, a classmate of mine, work there as well. We are the only veterinary clinic in the county and serve many surrounding areas.” “Rachel has been incredibly helpful since she was two years ahead of me,” says Kinser. “If I wasn’t grasping a concept from class, she was able to explain it with real-world examples in a way that made it much easier to understand. Her experiences during clinical rotations really helped me prepare for the fourth year so that I could keep my head above water. “My favorite memory of veterinary college has been working with clients and patients during the clinical rotations. Every day is different, and it has been such a pleasure interacting with the clinicians and staff at the veterinary medical hospital while we serve people who trust the health of their animals to us.” “While Shawn was in college, he often visited during the summer months,” says Stanna Pope. “We had the great pleasure of hosting him for a three-week preceptorship this past year. To see the progression of a high school student aspiring to become a veterinarian someday to now a young man that has met his goal is heartwarming. I could not be prouder. I am honored to call Shawn my friend and am ecstatic that I can call him my colleague.” “Seize every opportunity while in school to maximize your learning experience,” Kinser advises future students. “You’re only in vet school for a short amount of time. While you’re here, you have immediate access to a wealth of knowledge in our clinicians and professors. It’s easy to start living from test to test once the busy schedule sets in. Things like wet labs and volunteer opportunities are going to help you solidify the knowledge gained in the classroom. Maintain a positive attitude, and cultivate a habit of working hard. That will carry you a long way in vet school.” On Commencement Day, Kinser had the honor of hooding her husband. “It’s an honor for me. First, because he’s my husband, and as a former student, I understand what completing this degree requires. I respect him and am proud of his accomplishment,” she says. “As a fellow veterinarian, I look up to him for his knowledge, abilities and skills that he will bring to the field of veterinary medicine. Finally, as an OSU alumna, I feel honored to be part of such a long-standing tradition in the hooding ceremony.” “I have a lot of respect and admiration for my wife,” adds Kinser. “She has accomplished so much in her life and excels at everything she does. It’s a great honor to have someone I look up to give me my hood and an even greater honor for it to be my wife, whom I respect so much.” Following graduation, Kinser plans to look for a position in northwest Oklahoma City or near Pond Creek. Ultimately, the couple plans to move near Amarillo, Texas, to be closer to Rachel’s family. <strong>2015</strong> Oklahoma State University 71
Change language