OSU selects longtime practitioner to head veterinary college  

Dr. Richard Prather, DVM. (Photo courtesy Oklahoma State University.)

Oklahoma State University President Jim Hess announced the appointment of Dr. Richard Prather, DVM, as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, effective June 30. He will serve as the college’s 11th full-time dean. 

Prather brings four decades of veterinary practice experience as the college prepares for construction of a $329 million teaching hospital. The facility will replace the current 40-year-old hospital and is intended to expand the university’s veterinary education and clinical capabilities. 

Veterinary and leadership experience 

A 1986 graduate of OSU’s veterinary program, Prather owned and operated Ellis County Animal Hospital in Shattuck, Oklahoma, with his wife, Dr. Angie Prather, DVM, for more than 30 years.  

The mixed-animal practice served ranchers, livestock producers and pet owners across northwest Oklahoma, including cow-calf, stocker and feedlot operations, as well as equine and small animal clients. 

Prather has also been involved in veterinary education and professional organizations. He hosted more than 60 veterinary students from 10 universities in his practice and served on the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine admissions committee.  

His industry experience includes roles with the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association, Production Animal Consultants and the OSU Veterinary Medicine Authority. 

Oklahoma values and OSU commitment  

“Dr. Prather represents the kind of leader we need at this transformational moment for Oklahoma State’s veterinary medicine program,” Hess said. “He brings deep roots in Oklahoma and a strong understanding of the challenges facing rural veterinary practice.” 

Hess said Prather’s background and experience will help ensure the college continues to serve the state while advancing its national profile. 

Prather has received recognition as an Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association Food Animal Practitioner of the Year and an honorary State Farmer degree from the Oklahoma FFA. He has also served on advisory boards for animal health companies including Virbac, Elanco Animal Health and Bayer Animal Health. 

“This is a profound honor and a tremendous responsibility,” Prather said. “The people of Oklahoma have made a generational investment in veterinary medicine through a new teaching hospital.” 

Prather said his focus will include supporting faculty and students, strengthening relationships with veterinarians and producers, and contributing to the planning of the new teaching hospital. 

“My commitment is to empower our talented faculty, staff and students to ensure we honor that investment by training veterinarians who will serve communities across Oklahoma,” he said. 

Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].