The National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) has recognized Kansas State University (KSU) veterinary student Serena Schotanus as the 2025 recipient of its Veterinary Student Scholarship. Schotanus, a third-generation Californian with deep roots in dairy farming, will receive $1,500 to support her academic and professional journey.
The scholarship acknowledges veterinary students who demonstrate a strong commitment to the dairy industry, with a focus on utilizing dairy records and software to enhance herd health and management. Eligible candidates must be third- or fourth-year veterinary students enrolled in programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education.
Schotanus’s path to veterinary medicine reflects her lifelong connection to agriculture and dairy. After earning a degree in animal sciences with a pre-veterinary focus at KSU, she gained extensive hands-on experience through internships at leading dairies, including High Plains Ponderosa Dairy in Kansas and Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy in Wisconsin. At Valley Veterinarians, Inc., in California, she contributed to herd health programs and led a calf vaccine trial, analyzing and presenting her findings to veterinarians. Beyond her clinical work, she manages marketing and social media for Old Stage Angus, LLC, her family’s cattle operation in Tipton, California.
Schotanus is a strong advocate for integrating data-driven solutions into dairy operations. By leveraging Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) technologies, she aims to enhance productivity and profitability for dairies. Once she completes her veterinary degree, Schotanus plans to work closely with dairy producers to utilize milk data for informed decision-making, advancing the industry’s efficiency and sustainability.
Funding for the National DHIA Scholarship Program comes primarily from its annual scholarship auction, with additional contributions from donations and investments. For information on how to support the program, contact Leslie Thoman at 608-848-6455 ext. 108 or lthoman@dhia.org.
The National DHIA, a trade association dedicated to advancing the integrity and utility of dairy records, plays a vital role in supporting innovative solutions that benefit the dairy industry and its members.
