MISSISSIPPI STATE – A Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine student’s love of showing dogs helped her win a prestigious scholarship for the third year in a row.

Kim Hitt, a fourth-year CVM student from Buffalo, N.Y., is the recipient of an American Kennel Club 2011-2012 AKC Veterinary Student Scholarship. Each of the 28 American Veterinary Medical Association accredited veterinary schools in the country is asked by the AKC Scholarship Program for Veterinary Medicine to nominate four student candidates. AKC then selects recipients based on their academic achievement and involvement with or research on purebred dogs. Hitt is one of six recipients of the award this year. The 2011-2012 scholarships mark the 20th anniversary of the scholarship program.

Hitt is familiar with AKC as she has been showing dogs since she was 10 years old. While attending veterinary school, Hitt has continued to show her Chesapeake Bay and Flat-coated Retrievers. In addition to her CVM education, Hitt’s involvement with AKC and dog-showing clubs have helped her in her pursuit of a career. Hitt accepted a job with a Chicago-based breeder veterinarian, Dr. Patricia Meiser, at a clinic with a focus on canine reproduction, Animal Care & Reproductive Services. She begins her new job after she graduates in April 2012.

“It is such an honor to get this scholarship three years in a row. Staying involved in dog showing has really helped me during my time at CVM and also provided me with great opportunities,” Hitt said. “I’m involved in the Golden Triangle Kennel Club, and the group has done a lot to help me through veterinary school. It is nice to be around people who love dogs and who encourage each other.”

Hitt currently teaches agility and obedience classes for the Golden Triangle Kennel Club and is studying for her veterinary medical board exams.

Writer: Karen Templeton