When Cori Hoffman first stepped onto the Northwestern campus, his main focus was basketball. As his journey unfolded, he became an associate veterinarian in Alva, Okla., at Ridgeview Veterinary Clinic. His time at Northwestern was not just a chapter of his life, but the foundation.
Dr. Hoffman played basketball at Northwestern for two years. Growing up in Montgomery, Texas, sports were at the center of his life. During his time at Northwestern, Dr. Hoffman realized his passions extended beyond the court.
“I originally planned on attending medical school, but while I was at Northwestern I spent my summers working on a farm in Alva,” Dr. Hoffman said. “That changed everything.”
Although his academic interests leaned toward medical sciences, it was the agricultural side of northwest Oklahoma that guided him toward his future.
“I realized I really liked agriculture, and veterinary medicine seemed like a perfect way to round out my interest.”
Dr. Hoffman’s time at Northwestern was not solely an academic journey. It included the connections he built with professors, classmates, and the community. The smaller, more personal setting at Northwestern allowed for a one-on-one learning environment, which Dr. Hoffman values to this day.
“When I was doing some interviews for veterinary school, I was asked if I felt like I was at a disadvantage coming from a smaller school. I would rebut with ‘I feel like I am at a bigger advantage because I had that one-on-one learning experience.’”
During his undergraduate studies, Dr. Hoffman worked part-time at Ridgeview Veterinary Clinic.
“When I started working at the clinic, I realized this was the path for me and I decided I wanted to take the veterinary route.”
After graduating from Northwestern with a degree in chemistry in 2017, Dr. Hoffman applied to veterinary school at Oklahoma State University.
“The first challenge was getting into vet school. It was very competitive and I was lucky to get in on my first try. I knew I wanted to stay close to home, and Oklahoma State just made sense for me.”
Dr. Hoffman also had been accepted to a school in Scotland, but the desire to stay close to work in rural Oklahoma made the decision clear for him.
Life in Veterinary School
Dr. Hoffman said the first few years were heavily focused on coursework, which he enjoyed. The later years of school were more concentrated on clinical hours.
“I’ve always loved school and enjoyed learning. The most challenging were my third and fourth years where I spent all day at a clinic that was short-staffed. This led to a lot of night shifts.
“It was mentally trying at times, but I was lucky to have Lydia (Dr. Hoffman’s wife) supporting us while I was in school. “Having her strong support system really helped me.”
The difficult times helped him gain a better understanding of his calling in the field. He shared he was thankful to develop a close bond with his classmates in veterinary school.
“We still keep in touch. We will go over cases and bounce ideas off of each other.”
Reuniting with the Community After completing his veterinary degree in 2021, Dr. Hoffman knew where he wanted to be.
“All four years, I knew I wanted to come back to Alva.”
Dr. Hoffman returned to working for Dr. Terry Lohmann at Ridgeview Veterinary Clinic in 2021 as a full-time veterinarian. Dr. Lohmann was delighted to have Dr. Hoffman back after he graduated with his veterinary degree.
“It’s often difficult to recruit people to come to the small town life,” Dr. Lohmann said. “I was glad he and his family returned home to this area.”
As Dr. Hoffman’s connections to Alva run deep, he was excited to be back in the community that had supported him during his years at Northwestern.
“He did what Rangers do: come back and start working hard,” Dr. Lohmann said.
Hoffman Shares his Passion with Family
While at Northwestern, he met Lydia in the President’s Leadership Class. The couple were married immediately before their senior year of college. They both work at Ridgeview Veterinary Hospital. Their daughter, Dani, was born in 2024 and spends a lot of her time at the hospital.
“It has also been fun to watch her grow up at the hospital and see how personable she is with everybody,” said Dr. Hoffman. “We are lucky we can bring her here and let her grow up in this atmosphere.”
As a practicing veterinarian in Alva, Dr. Hoffman is focused on continuing his work in a community he is proud to call home.
“I love Alva. I’ve loved it since the first time I arrived. It’s very welcoming and comfortable. The plan is to stay here forever.”
Dr Lohmann retired in May of 2025 and Dr. Hoffman purchased the clinic. Dr. Lohmann is grateful Dr. Hoffman has acquired the practice as one who understands the environment.
“It is good to know he is taking good care of my past clients as he has transitioned into the ownership role,” Dr. Lohmann said.
Looking ahead, Dr. Hoffman is hoping Ridgeview Veterinary Hospital can expand and bring more veterinarians to the area. Currently, there are a few college students working at the clinic and he enjoys mentoring and teaching them.
Dr. Hoffman has a passion for helping others learn and shared he would like to teach one day. He hopes more students who have the drive and passion for the field will return to small-town life and make an impact.
As a father, veterinarian, and active member of the Alva community, Dr. Hoffman is living proof that education is more than academics; it is finding your path and developing connections. His story is more than how he became a veterinarian. It includes how the lessons he learned and the connections at Northwestern set him up for a future filled with purpose, family and community.
“I am extremely passionate about Northwestern, and I feel a much deeper connection with the university because of the relationships I made while I was there.”