local
Tenn. family endows pre-veterinary scholarship at Austin Peay in honor of beloved local vet
By Chris Davis at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 13, 2026
· 2 min read
A Clarksville family has endowed a pre-veterinary scholarship at Austin Peay State University, honoring the legacy of a beloved local veterinarian and aiming to make careers in animal medicine more accessible.Ernie and Joan DeWald created the scholarship in memory of their close friend Dr. Bill H...
Key takeaway Bill Howard, who ran the Animal Hospital of Clarksville dating back to the 1960s.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The establishment of this pre-veterinary scholarship at Austin Peay State University has significant implications for Nashville 's neighboring communities, where access to veterinary care can be limited. By supporting students pursuing careers in animal medicine, the DeWalds' endowment can help address the shortage of veterinarians in rural areas. The hands-on experience provided by Austin Peay's farm and Veterinary Technology Program will equip future veterinarians with the skills needed to serve diverse animal populations, from livestock to household pets. As the Nashville area continues to grow, the demand for skilled veterinarians will only increase, making this scholarship a timely investment in the region's healthcare infrastructure. The DeWalds' generosity also reflects the strong sense of community and social responsibility that characterizes the Nashville region, where local philanthropists often support initiatives that benefit the broader community.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
Get more The Nashville stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Clarksville family has endowed a pre-veterinary scholarship at Austin Peay State University, honoring the legacy of a beloved local veterinarian and aiming to make careers in animal medicine more accessible.Ernie and Joan DeWald created the scholarship in memory of their close friend Dr. Bill H...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Chris Davis at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter