Kansas Vet Student Wins 2025 National DHIA scholarship

Schotanus Earns $1,500 National DHIA Veterinary Award

Serena Schotanus, a veterinary student at Kansas State University (KSU), has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 National DHIA Veterinary Student Scholarship. The scholarship, valued at $1,500, is awarded by the National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA).

Applicants were judged on their dedication to dairy medicine, participation in related activities, and their interest in using dairy software and records to improve herd management and animal health. Eligible applicants must be third- or fourth-year veterinary students at an accredited veterinary college.

Originally from California, Schotanus was raised by a third-generation dairyman. Schotanus studied animal sciences with a focus on pre-veterinary medicine at KSU before continuing her education to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

Schotanus cattle experience includes internships with High Plains Ponderosa Dairy in Kansas, Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy in Wisconsin, and two summers interning at Valley Veterinarians, Inc. in Tulare, California.

During her internship at Valley Veterinarians, Schotanus developed and implemented a calf vaccine trial, analyzed the results, and presented them to her team.

Schotanus also participated in herd health and reproductive examinations. Additionally, she has managed marketing and social media for Old Stage Angus, LLC for over five years.

Schotanus expressed her passion for DHI technologies, stating, “DHI technologies enhance both dairy herd productivity and profitability. Once I graduate, I want to champion DHI technologies. By leveraging milk data, I’ll help dairymen take informed next steps, so together we can lead the dairy industry forward.”

The scholarship is funded through the National DHIA Scholarship Auction, as well as through investments and donations. Those interested in contributing can contact Leslie Thoman at 608-848-6455 ext. 108 or by emailing lthoman@dhia.org.

National DHIA is dedicated to supporting the dairy industry by maintaining the integrity of dairy records and advancing dairy information systems.