CALS Jefferson Scholar Awarded AKC Humane Fund Scholarship

NC State College of Veterinary Medicine first-year student Safari Richardson is one of just five nationwide recipients of this year’s Sir John D. Spurling Scholarship from the American Kennel Club Humane Fund.

The scholarship awards $2,000 in tuition assistance to students enrolled in courses focused on canine well-being. The scholarship, named for the chairman of the board of health insurance company PetPartners, Inc., recognizes outstanding academic performance and community involvement.

“I am extremely excited to be a recipient of the Spurling Scholarship,” says Richardson. “The mission of the AKC Humane Fund is to advance responsible pet ownership, which is an important factor in veterinary medicine and something that I continuously advocate for.”

Richardson joined the CVM class of 2024 after earning dual bachelor’s degrees in animal science and science, technology and society from NC State University in May. She has volunteered at NC State’s Small Ruminant Education Unit and with Small Ruminant and Camelid Mobile Veterinary Services, a private practice run by Allen Cannedy, the CVM’s director of diversity and multicultural affairs.

Richardson was previously awarded an NC State Ag Day Scholarship and named a United States Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture Multicultural Scholar.

“As a future mixed animal veterinarian, it is my duty to broaden my clients’ knowledge of small and large animal care to ensure the well-being of these animals is preserved,” says Richardson. “I am beyond grateful for this scholarship, and I will continue to support the AKC Humane Fund’s mission in all of my future endeavors.”

Earlier this month, CVM students Aimee Sink and Courtney Wicker received AKC Veterinary Outreach Scholarships. The AKC and its Canine Health Foundation have long supported the college’s groundbreaking cancer and infectious disease research. A $100,000 grant from the AKC-CHF funded the CVM’s companion animal theriogenology residency program.

~Jordan Bartel/NC State Veterinary Medicine

This post was originally published in Veterinary Medicine News.