By Jamie Martin
The National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) Scholarship Committee has awarded the 2025 National DHIA Veterinary Student Scholarship to Serena Schotanus, a student at the Kansas State University (KSU) College of Veterinary Medicine.
Schotanus will receive a $1,500 scholarship. The selection committee evaluated applicants based on their commitment to dairy medicine, involvement in extra-curricular activities, and their interest in using dairy software and records to enhance dairy management and animal health.
To qualify for the National DHIA Veterinary Student Scholarship, candidates must be third- or fourth-year veterinary students attending a veterinary college accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education.
Raised in California by a third-generation dairyman, Schotanus pursued animal sciences with a pre-veterinary medicine option at KSU before enrolling in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
Schotanus gained cattle experience through internships at High Plains Ponderosa Dairy in Kansas and Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy in Wisconsin.
Over the past two summers, Schotanus interned with Valley Veterinarians, Inc. in Tulare, California, where she conducted a calf vaccine trial, evaluated the results, and participated in herd health checks and reproductive exams.
Additionally, Schotanus has managed marketing and social media for Old Stage Angus, LLC for over five years.
“DHI technologies enhance both dairy herd productivity and profitability. Once I graduate, I want to champion DHI technologies," said Schotanus, "By leveraging milk data, I’ll help dairymen take informed next steps, so together we can lead the dairy industry forward.”
The scholarship program is primarily funded through the National DHIA Scholarship Auction, with additional support from investments and donations.
To contribute to the scholarship fund, individuals can contact Leslie Thoman at 608-848-6455 ext. 108 or via email at lthoman@dhia.org.
National DHIA, a trade association for the dairy records industry, works to preserve the integrity of dairy records and advance dairy information systems.
Photo Credit: kansas-state-university
Categories: National