News and Progress

Students with scholarships stay focused

Oct. 2, 2009

Mizzou senior Brenda Arnold, an animal science major in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, examines a newborn calf with Dr. John Middleton, associate professor of veterinary medicine and surgery. Arnold, who received five scholarships this year, stays involved in extracurricular activities such as Mizzou Collegiate Farm Bureau. Photo by Randall Mertens

Ask a student how scholarships help them, and most will say scholarships free them to focus on learning and participate in more of the opportunities at Mizzou.

Brenda Arnold, the daughter of a dairy farmer, understands hard work. An animal science senior from Drexel, Mo., she plans to apply to veterinary school this fall. This year, she received five scholarships.

“My GPA is important when I'm applying to vet school,” Arnold says. “All those scholarships have helped me concentrate on my studies.”

Animals have always been a part of Arnold’s life. Her grandfather opened the first grade-A dairy farm in the area, and her father returned to work on the farm after serving in the Air Force. She grew up helping on the farm and participating in 4-H and the National FFA Organization.

At MU, Arnold′s activities include the Agricultural Systems Management Club, Collegiate Cattle Women, FFA Alumni and Alpha Zeta Honor Society. She is also president of the Mizzou Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter and is an animal science representative.

“It’s a tremendous help to me to have those scholarships,” she said. “If I would have had to work instead of being part of these organizations, I would have missed out on many outstanding networking and leadership opportunities that will greatly benefit me and my career.”

A 2007 graduate of Adrian High School, Arnold has enough credits to apply for veterinary school one year earlier than most students. She attributes her success to hard work and opportunities at MU.

“Being a farm kid from a small rural school, nothing comes easy, so I’ve had to work for it,” she says. “I’m very, very lucky.″