Honoring a Multi-Generational Legacy

For Stephanie Hibbits, DVM, Diplomate ACVS, supporting students who are tracking to become large animal veterinarians is her way of helping to ease some of the stressors that those who choose this profession may experience. 

California and much of the nation face a growing shortage of large animal veterinarians, particularly in rural communities where livestock producers depend on timely veterinary care.

“Our profession is in crisis, with burnout and financial strain being some of the main areas of stress that large animal veterinarians encounter,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to help students in some way, and when my family established a charitable trust in memory of my parents, it was the perfect vehicle to accomplish this goal.” 

Stephanie established the Lewis and Christyn Mathis Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the name of her parents – her father Lewis Mathis was a third generation California cattle rancher in the Central Valley foothills below Yosemite. Lewis was also a graduate of UC Davis and lifelong horseman. Her mother, Christyn, was a registered nurse who left her career in medicine to be a mother and support the family business on the ranch. 

The scholarship supports third year DVM students who have an interest in livestock and/or equine medicine. Because it is an endowed scholarship, it will provide support for veterinary students in perpetuity, ensuring the Mathis family's legacy continues for generations. Stephanie hopes that it encourages veterinary students with a demonstrated passion for a career in equine practice or large animal practice to continue pursuing the field. 

Abigail Debus, DVM Class of 2026, is one of the recipients of the Lewis and Christyn Mathis Memorial Scholarship. "Your desire to continue your family's legacy and belief in future large animal veterinarians means more to me than words can describe," she said.

Stephanie herself attended UC Davis as an undergraduate and then and then continued on at the veterinary school to earn her DVM in 2001 with an equine practice specialization. While a veterinary student, she received the Lloyds of London Excellence in Equine Surgery award, which opened her eyes to the impact that financial support can make. The award further inspired her to select career in equine surgery. 

“Originally, I thought I would go into small animal medicine and maybe do some large animal so my dad would be happy,” she said. “Growing up on the ranch, we always had animals of all kinds, and it felt natural to pursue a career in the veterinary profession. But in my second year of veterinary school, I fell in love with equine surgery.”

After graduating from UC Davis, Stephanie did an internship in Arizona, specializing in equine medicine and surgery, then a year-long large animal fellowship at Oregon State and an equine surgical residency in Florida. 

Today, as a large animal veterinarian practicing in Salinas, Stephanie understands the difficulties of the profession, as well as the rewards. Her wish in supporting students pursuing the profession is that the barriers to staying in this work are eased a little, so the specialization can grow. 

“The more that can be gifted to students tracking into the large animal specializations, the better,” she said. 

Along with creating the endowed scholarship, Stephanie established a research endowment in her family’s name. The Lewis and Christyn Mathis Memorial Research Endowment provides research support for large animal residents, with a preference for studies focused on addressing the health of livestock. 

“The research fund also prioritizes food animal research, which is truly in honor of my dad and his lifelong work as a cattle rancher,” she said. “Funds in this area are desperately needed, and I am so happy that the charitable trust can support this important field in his honor.”

Having been in large animal medicine for more than two decades, Stephanie understands that the challenges of the profession can seem daunting. Her advice to students who may be considering this work is to be sure to have, and maintain, a passion for it. “Being passionate about the field of large animal medicine is the best way to assure you will stay mentally and physically ready for whatever comes your way,” she said. “And try to prioritize caring for yourself.” 

For Stephanie, growing up around animals at the ranch provided Stephanie that love for large animal medicine. Her wish is to help assure that work continues for generations to come. 

Creating this scholarship and research support helps the memory of my parents and their legacy in equine and large animal work live on,” she said. “And along with honoring their past, we are investing in the future – something they would have loved to see.” 

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Every scholarship awarded and every research project funded ensures that future generations of large animal veterinarians are ready to care for the animals, ranches, and agricultural communities that depend on them. Stephanie and her family established the scholarship and research endowment thanks to the charitable trust that was set up with brothers, the Lewis and Christyn Mathis Charitable Trust. To learn more about charitable trusts and how they can be utilized for making charitable contributions, please contact the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine’s Advancement team at [email protected].