The Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU CVM) recently awarded prestigious Bardsley Scholarships to top-ranking applicants selected to the class of 2023 doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) program, and Presbyterian College Graduate Kristin Miller of West Columbia, SC, was one of only twelve members of the 95-member first-year class to receive the scholarship.

Bardsley Scholars must have demonstrated high academic performance by achieving at least a 3.75 GPA on a four-point scale in their undergraduate studies. In addition, they must apply and are selected by further in-depth second review of their application conducted by a committee of MSU CVM Faculty, who review students’ extracurricular activities and evaluate their demonstrated leadership potential before making final recommendations for who is to receive the scholarships.

Made possible by a gift from the estate of Dr. Charles and Mrs. Viola Bardsley, who lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and took a special interest in the MSU CVM, Bardsley Scholarships are awarded to eight to twelve students entering the College and meeting the requirements each year. Mississippi residents and students from West Virginia and South Carolina, who receive in-state tuition rates as a result of contract arrangements through their respective state legislatures, qualify for $25,000 scholarships, and those from other states, who pay out-of-state-tuition, qualify for $50,000 scholarships.

To retain their scholarship, each Bardsley Scholar must maintain at least a 3.5 GPA in their studies while in the CVM. In addition to the scholarship monies, they are given preferential scheduling of courses, externships, research experiences and clinical rotations, as well as additional leadership training, during their time at MSU CVM.