Murray State University Foundation and Humane Society of Marshall County establish scholarship for pre-veterinary students

A new scholarship has been established at Murray State University thanks to the Murray State University Foundation and the Humane Society of Marshall County. The scholarship is called the Humane Society of Marshall County Pre-Veterinary Medicine Scholarship and it is offered to junior, senior, and graduate students attending Murray State University who are going to become veterinarians.

In order to be eligible to receive the scholarship, in addition to studying pre-veterinary medicine, students must also show their passion for animals, and it will be in their favor to have volunteered or worked at a farm, veterinary clinic, shelter, or humane society. The scholarship has already been awarded to three students for the 2024-2025 school year: Madeline Adams, Mia Jaco,  and Madison Moryl. 

According to an article on Murray State University’s website, Ruth Brown, who serves as the treasurer of the Humane Society of Marshall County, explained why the organization sought to set up this scholarship with the Murray State University Foundation. She was quoted as saying, “We were so touched by how the Murray State pre-veterinary students helped our humane society so much during the tragedy of the December 2021 tornado, when we were trying to help so many animals that suddenly needed a home. We wanted to do something to give back to those Murray State students and support their passion for animals and their life goals of going into the veterinary profession. We are thrilled to be able to make this scholarship possible.”

Brown went on to share another connection the Humane Society of Marshall County has with Murray State University: an employee of the Humane Society who is also a full-time student at the university. We are also delighted to have a Murray State pre-vet student as one of our employees. Madison Brooks (of Benton) is able to manage a full-time class schedule while working for the Humane Society full-time, too. She has been an exemplary employee and we would encourage other pre-vet students to visit our facility, volunteer and maybe find a part-time job,” said Brown.

The Humane Society of Marshall County has also expressed the hope that students who benefit from this scholarship will come back to work in Kentucky once becoming a veterinarian.

Dr. Laura Ken Hoffman, who serves as the department head for veterinary technology/pre-veterinary medicine at Murray State University, expressed her gratitude for the new scholarship and described what it means for her students, saying, “We are so grateful for the collaborative efforts between our Pre-Veterinary Medicine students and the Humane Society of Marshall County after the devastating tornadoes. The students who volunteered their time and talents to assist those in need, by their own initiative, deserve to be celebrated and recognized. We deeply thank the Humane Society of Marshall County for doing just that; they are reflecting that kindness and compassion to our pre-vet department for years to come. We plan to continue to work with them in the future, as the humane society has shown that they value and invest in our students.”

The Humane Society of Marshall County would like to ask the public to consider donating to the scholarship fund so that it may continue helping future veterinarians for years to come. Those interested in donating to the fund may contact Abby Hensley at ahensley2@murraystate.edu. 

For more information about Murray State University, visit the school’s website.