College of

Veterinary Medicine

The Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine has announced the five remarkable alumni who will be recognized at the Distinguished Alumni Luncheon on Nov. 5.

These graduates exemplify excellence in veterinary medicine and reflect the highest standards of the CVM.

The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are Dr. Rick Cowell, Class of 1978; Dr. Ernest Lee Stair, Jr., Class of 1960; Dr. Bob Streeter, Class of 1987; and Dr. Brian Carroll, Class of 1980. The Recent Graduate Award recipient is Kyre Larrabee, Class of 2020.

An internationally recognized veterinary clinical pathologist, educator, author, and mentor, Cowell earned his veterinary degree from the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1978 and subsequently completed a clinical pathology residency at OSU. Returning to the college as a faculty member in 1985, he devoted decades to educating and mentoring future veterinarians. His pioneering contributions in hematology and clinical pathology have helped shape veterinary medicine and education, while his research and publications serve as resources for veterinarians around the world.

A leader in veterinary pathology and animal health research, Stair dedicated his career to advancing the diagnosis and understanding of animal diseases. After earning a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and serving as an associate professor at the University of Nebraska, he returned to OSU as the Assistant Director and Chief Pathologist of the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Through his leadership and expertise, the laboratory became a vital resource for livestock producers and veterinarians across the region.

For more than three decades, Streeter has influenced animal medicine and veterinary education through his work at Oklahoma State University. Following his residency at Ohio State University, he returned to Oklahoma State as an assistant professor and later retired as a clinical professor. Known as a respected educator, clinician, and mentor, Streeter helped shape generations of veterinarians through his practical, hands-on approach to teaching.

Carroll built a distinguished career in equine veterinary medicine through his leadership, professional service, and commitment to mentorship. As co-founder of Oklahoma City Equine Clinic, he helped grow one of the region's leading equine practices, providing specialized care for breeding, performance, and racing horses. Beyond clinical practice, Carroll has dedicated his time to supporting the veterinary profession, serving as a founding board member of a nonprofit organization that fosters connections among veterinary students, private practitioners and academic leaders.

The Recent Graduate Award recipient, Larrabee, serves as an Assistant Professor of Veterinary Practice at the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine. Recognized as an emerging leader in the industry for her expertise and innovative use of social media to promote veterinary medicine, Larrabee was named in COWGIRL magazine’s “30 Under 30” list. Her teaching, outreach and advocacy continue to elevate the future of veterinary medicine.

“These distinguished alumni represent the kind of service, professionalism, and dedication that defines the College of Veterinary Medicine and OSU as a whole,” said Dean Richard C. Prather. “We are incredibly grateful for the work they have done to advance veterinary medicine and research.”

For more information about the Distinguished Alumni Awards and the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, visit vetmed.okstate.edu.

Written By: Jenna Sanders