College of

Veterinary Medicine

Aubry Hensley-Gollihare, from Stratford, Oklahoma, discovered her passion for veterinary medicine at a young age while shadowing her grandfather, rural mixed-animal veterinarian Dr. Gerald Parsons. Inspired by early experiences in the clinic and on farm calls, she developed a strong interest in the diversity of cases and hands-on nature of the profession. After veterinary school, she plans to return home to rural Oklahoma to join her family’s mixed-animal practice, working alongside her grandfather and husband while supporting local farmers, ranchers and the beef cattle industry.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?

I fell in love with veterinary medicine at a young age, inspired by my grandfather, Dr. Gerald Parsons. As a little girl—and honestly still today—I thought he was the coolest person I knew. I loved sitting table-side watching surgeries, riding along on farm calls, and asking endless questions about medicine. Those early experiences sparked a passion that has only grown over time. I truly believe veterinary medicine is one of the most fascinating and rewarding fields out there. I love the diversity of cases we see, the many career paths within the profession, and the incredible community of veterinarians who are always willing to share their knowledge and support one another.

What does rural veterinary medicine mean to you? What inspired you to pursue rural and/or large animal medicine?

My grandfather is a rural, mixed-animal veterinarian, and the summers I spent riding along in his farm-call truck are some of my most cherished memories. Watching firsthand the grit, compassion, and dedication it takes to serve rural Oklahoma deeply inspired me. It showed me the profound impact a veterinarian can have—not only on animals, but on the people and communities who depend on them. I love the opportunity to care for animals while also supporting the families who raise them. Being able to love and serve people through their animals, while supporting American agriculture and the beef cattle industry, is incredibly meaningful to me.

What are you most looking forward to as you will soon begin your career?

I’ve dreamed of living and working in rural Oklahoma for as long as I can remember, so being this close to fulfilling that dream is incredibly special. I’m thrilled to be returning home and beginning this next chapter. Joining our family practice as an associate veterinarian—working alongside both my grandfather and my husband—is truly a dream come true. I’m excited for what the future holds for our veterinary practice and our local community as we continue to grow, and I look forward to serving and building relationships with the farmers and ranchers who make our community so special.