Annika Weaver is first recipient of Prater Scholarship

Annika Weaver, a senior veterinary science major from Richmond, is the first recipient of the Dr. Phil Prater Veterinary Science Scholarship.  

The scholarship was launched in July in honor of Dr. Phil Prater, former professor of veterinary technology, who retired in June after 25 years at MSU.  

Prater was instrumental in securing funding for the University's Equine Health Education Center at the Derrickson Agricultural Complex. Prater earned many professional awards during his time at MSU, including Veterinarian of the Year from the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association, Outstanding Senior Teacher Award from the American Association of Colleges of Agriculture and Renewable Resources in 2006, MSU Distinguished Teacher Award in 2008, and Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA) Distinguished Service Award in 2018.  

Veterinarians, students, and colleagues contributed approximately $10,000 in funding to establish the Dr. Phil Prater Scholarship Endowment. The Kentucky Veterinary Medicine Association pledged additional support to grow the fund.   

Weaver said she's grateful for the support the scholarship will provide as she pursues her dream of becoming a veterinarian.  

"I'm honored to receive this scholarship and be the first recipient. My goal is to become a large animal veterinarian, and this additional support in my final semester is such a weight off my shoulders," she said.  

If you want to establish a scholarship or make a planned gift commitment, contact MSU's Office of Alumni Relations and Development at 606-783-2033, email giving@moreheadstate.edu or visit alumni.moreheadstate.edu. 

Learn more about MSU's veterinary science and veterinary technology programs by emailing agsi@moreheadstate.edu or calling 606-783-2662.