In 2020, Dechra launched a University Team and selected the first set of student ambassadors. The Dechra University Team continues to focus on advancing veterinary student education, mentorship and wellness. Since then, the team has significantly increased access to education and resources for thousands of students through three key initiatives:

1. National education webinars for veterinary students: Dechra hosts 3-4 webinars each semester on topics such as mental health, social media etiquette, contract negotiation, and NAVLE board prep that have supported 8,000+ students.
2. The Dechra Student Ambassador Program has graduated 200+ student ambassadors since inception and has 57 students actively enrolled, including over 20 equine student ambassadors who focus on bringing equine educational activities to their peers. These students are studying veterinary medicine at 32 of the 35 colleges of veterinary medicine across the U.S. and Caribbean.
3. Over the last year, Dechra has hosted over 60 educational events on veterinary college campuses around the country to provide education opportunities to 6,000+ students.

Most recently, Dechra is adding an exciting fourth component to expand their University Program by partnering with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) to begin offering scholarships to veterinary students and veterinary technician students.

Students interested in internal medicine, dermatology, or equine lameness can apply for these scholarships in partnership with AVMF, equaling about $50,000 in total. Recipients will be announced in February 2025.

Hear From Dechra Student Ambassadors

“Being the Dechra Companion Animal Student Ambassador at Oregon State University for the past two years has been an enriching experience and has enabled me to engage with and represent my fellow classmates, build lasting connections with industry professionals and stay informed about new product developments. It was rewarding to be a part of spearheading new initiatives like the Joint Injection & Arthrocentesis Wet Lab that creates valuable learning opportunities and helps to shape the future of industry collaboration with the college.” - Irene Liang, Class of 2026, Oregon State University

“I cannot speak highly enough of my role as a Dechra Student Ambassador. I associated with Dechra because I wanted a window into the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, but my position quickly grew into so much more than that. Not only have I met dozens of incredible individuals throughout the company from around the world, but I've organized memorable wellness events and generous product donations to our veterinary and local community. The positive impacts have felt wonderful and helped me connect meaningfully with many great people.” -  Hannah Arnade, PhD, Class of 2026, University of Georgia.

To Learn More

• To learn more about the Dechra scholarships for veterinary students through AVMF, click here.
• To learn more about the Dechra scholarships for veterinary technician students through AVMF, click here.
• To learn more about the Dechra University Program, including the Student Ambassador Program, reach out to Dr. Timothy Smaha- timothy.smaha@dechra.com