Seven first-year veterinary students at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine have been selected for the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas (VTPRK), a state-funded loan forgiveness initiative.
The recipients are Alexis Hansen (Belleville), Katherine Mongeau (Garden City), Madison Evje (Manhattan), Jenna Spencer (Mound City), Harley Allen (Parsons), Sydney Rohlman (Pretty Prairie), and Callista Moore (Topeka).
Established in 2006 and expanded in 2022, the program aims to increase veterinary care in rural areas. Participants must work in a full-time veterinary practice in one of 92 Kansas counties (population under 40,000). They receive up to $25,000 in loan forgiveness per year for four years.
Since September 2024, 89 students have joined, with 98% fulfilling their service obligations. 94% remain in rural areas, and 77% stay in their original practice.
Students also complete a Food Animal Veterinary Certificate and train in disease preparedness, disaster response, rural business management, and public health.
