Meet 2024 DYA Award recipient Tera Rooney Barnhardt ’12, ’14, ’15
Tera Rooney Barnhardt is a veterinarian focused on animal welfare research and consulting. She earned three degrees from K-State, a bachelor's degree in animal science and industry in 2012, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 and a master’s degree in biomedical science in 2015.
Barnhardt was recently announced as a recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Young Alumni Award.
The award, which was established in 2012, recognizes two Kansas State University graduates who are using the leadership and service experience they acquired at K-State to excel in their professions and contribute to their communities.
Barnhardt recently shared with At K-State some of her thoughts about her career, her K-State experience and advice for students:
What are some of the things you learned during your time at K-State?
Being a student at Kansas State University taught me that it matters when you show up. When you show up for your employer, your clients, your professors, your peers, you will be greatly blessed in this life. I have been fortunate enough to have so many people show up for me. I continue to work diligently to apply this in my career and community now, and it has served me well. I also learned how connected the world is, when I broadened my view of it, as a young person on campus. Throughout my undergraduate studies, my master’s research and doctorate in veterinary medicine, I was constantly shocked at the connections I was able to make on campus and how those have continued to reappear in my career.
How has your K-State experience impacted your career or made a difference in your life?
Very frankly, I would not be the veterinarian I am today without the education I received at K-State. It's second to none. When they say that K-State is a special place, I buy it and sell it! The network of people I have acquired either during my time at K-State or my time as a graduate has continually blown my mind. There are Wildcats all over this world doing very cool and important work. When I go to a veterinary conference or am asked to speak at an agriculture event, there are fellow Wildcats who come up and say hello afterwards. It's heartwarming to be in a room full of thousands of people and know that several of us were lucky enough to spend a few years in Manhattan. I am truly honored to wear purple with so much pride.
What are your career goals for the future?
When I hop in my vet truck every day, I think hard about the fact that we are feeding the world. The food produced in Kansas in the beef and dairy sectors is produced efficiently, safely and with a lot of care. I will continue to work tirelessly to promote the many benefits of agricultural businesses and connect with consumers of our products to make them feel confident in the choices they make for their families. It's that simple interaction that could lead to a satisfied customer for life.
What advice would you offer to other young K-State alumni?
Advice feels like it should be coming from someone with a lot more gray hair than me! Receiving this award is an honor that reflects not only personal achievement, but also the potential to inspire others. If I could, I would inspire others to embrace curiosity and lifelong learning. Cultivate a mindset of constant curiosity and seek knowledge from a diversity of disciplines. Possessing an insatiable thirst for knowledge will propel you to grow. I would inspire others to respond well to challenges. Life is full of them, find a way to turn them into catalysts for resilience and personal development. I would inspire others to foster meaningful connections. Build truly authentic networks that you can call on and who will show up for you. I would inspire others to make a positive impact on society whether those be small, daily acts of kindness or big, scary initiatives. Do the things that make the people around you love where they live.