NAVTA’s Veterinary Technician of the YearStephanie Gilliam, RVTg, MS, CCRP, VTS (Neurology)
NAVTA’s Veterinary Technician of the Year award is presented to a NAVTA member who has provided leadership and contributed to the association and the overall betterment of the Veterinary Technology profession.
Since August 2019, Stephanie has been the Director of Veterinary Technology at Moberly Area Community College and an adjunct instructor at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. She also serves as the legislative chair of the Missouri Veterinary Technicians Association and the Director at Large for the neurology section of the Academy of Internal Medicine Veterinary Technicians.
In her acceptance speech, Stephanie shared: “I am who I am because of the people who surround me and continue to lift me up, and that’s just how this profession is—veterinary technicians are amazing. This career has taken me places I never would have imagined.”
In nominating Stephanie, her colleague wrote:
Since joining the (MO Veterinary Technicians Association) board in 2019, Stephanie quickly let her voice and intentions be known: she wanted to push for change in Missouri, and she was going to make it happen. She quickly formed MOVTA’s legislative committee and was appointed as the chairperson; one of her first initiatives was to form a relationship with the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association (MOVMA). In early 2021, MOVMA voted unanimously to include a veterinary technician from MOVTA as an ex-officio board member, with that position to be filled by MOVTA’s legislative chairperson. This was the first time an RVT representative sat on MOVMA’s board.
Momentum accelerated, and in October 2021 MOVMA and MOVTA announced the creation of a veterinary technician task force to work on a specific set of objectives addressing technician utilization, in no small part due to Stephanie Gilliam’s hard work and persistence. Since the creation of this taskforce, Stephanie, along with other MOVMA and MOVTA leaders and representatives, have met periodically to discuss issues facing technicians in Missouri and proposed changes to further define RVTs’ scope of practice, including proposed changes to Missouri’s veterinary practice act.
In late 2022, Stephanie sent a letter to clinics throughout Missouri to educate Missouri veterinarians about veterinary technicians and their education, discussing the importance of proper title usage and the legalities surrounding title protection, and the importance of enforcement in Missouri.
Stephanie didn’t stop there – she had her eyes set on the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board (MOVMB). In 2023, Stephanie opened communications with state representatives and MOVMB members about establishing RVT representation on the veterinary medical board, representation that has never existed in Missouri. She regularly attends MOVMB meetings as an RVT representative to both educate the board and to press for inclusion of technicians’ voices in the governance of our profession, and in 2024 she was appointed as president of MOVTA.
But her efforts have not been limited to the public sphere. Stephanie also created a brand new veterinary technology program in an underserved area of Missouri as its program director. Moberly Area Community College (MACC)’s first cohort graduated in spring of 2023 after receiving initial accreditation from the AVMA. MACC is also one of the few veterinary technology programs that is partnered with a college of veterinary medicine, University of Missouri. Through this partnership, students are able to rotate through Mizzou’s Veterinary Health Center in their last two semesters of the program, not only gaining valuable hands-on experience working with veterinary specialists, but also giving experience and education to veterinary students on how to work with and empower RVTs, while showing future veterinarians what it takes to become a RVT in Missouri. She is also an adjunct instructor for the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, teaching online courses for the Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology program. Stephanie’s passion and commitment to her students is palpable; talk to any of her students and you’ll feel it too.
As if these professional activities aren’t enough, Stephanie is a wonderful wife and mother of three. She is also active in her community. She leads the veterinary science 4H project for her county, and is currently working to form a veterinary science team for North Callaway High School FFA. She is also working along with Fulton High Schools FFA advisors to help mentor their Veterinary Science team. She serves on the advisory committee for the Columbia Public Schools Agriculture Department. She is an active member of the Hatton Extension Club, and serves as a youth leader and band member for her local church.
NAVTA congratulates its 2024 Veterinary Technician of the Year, Stephanie Gilliam!
NAVTA’s Student Chapter of the Year (2024-2025 Academic Year)Universidad Ana G. Méndez (UAGM)–Ponce, Puerto Rico
The Vet Tech Student Association (VTSA) at Universidad Ana G. Méndez (UAGM)–Ponce, Puerto Rico, is the 2025 NAVTA Student Chapter of the Year.
VTSA has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the core values of veterinary nursing through a wide range of mission-driven and community-focused initiatives. With a strong emphasis on the One Health concept—reflected in the chapter’s hand-drawn logo featuring both animal and human footprints—the group has prioritized education, outreach, and interdisciplinary collaboration throughout the academic year.
To support academic growth, the chapter organized weekly collaborative study groups with faculty and hosted technical skill-building workshops in areas such as CPR and first aid for pets, suturing, and exotic animal handling. These experiences helped strengthen clinical competencies and foster confidence among members.
In their efforts to raise environmental awareness and promote public health, VTSA partnered with the Scuba Dogs Society for an international coastal cleanup and participated in World Rabies Day by earning educator certifications through the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC). They also initiated cross-campus collaborations, including a K-9 unit workshop in partnership with the Criminology Student Association and an orientation tour for high school students interested in veterinary careers.
VTSA’s commitment to community and student wellness was also reflected in their creative and inclusive programming. Events like a Dog Fashion Show and participation in the university-wide Cultural and Gastronomic Encounter celebrated the human-animal bond while fostering connection among students. The chapter also supported animal welfare efforts by volunteering at the Barranquitas Animal Sanctuary and hosting educational talks with local organizations such as MOSBA.
Through their wide-reaching work, VTSA has inspired fellow students, uplifted their community, and embodied the values of leadership, compassion, and professional excellence. Their accomplishments have earned them this well-deserved national recognition.
Congratulations to UAGM, SCNAVTA Chapter of the Year!
NAVTA’s Student Chapter Advisor of the YearStephanie Atkins, BS, LVT, LAT
Blue Ridge Community College
Stephanie Atkins, BS, LVT, LAT, advisor of the BRCC Vet Tech Club in Weyers Cave, VA, is the 2025 NAVTA Student Advisor of the Year.
Stephanie’s dedication to student success is evident in every aspect of her leadership. As the primary advisor of the Vet Tech Club, she plays an essential role in mentoring students, building their confidence, and guiding them through both academic and extracurricular challenges. Students routinely seek her out for advice and support, and her efforts to foster leadership among even the most hesitant participants have been transformational.
Under her guidance, the BRCC Vet Tech Club has launched numerous community-focused initiatives. Highlights include fundraising to purchase vests for K9 officers, wildfire relief efforts, animal shelter drives, and events like pet photo booths. Stephanie has also helped secure resources and corporate support for club activities, organized guest speakers for “lunch and learn” events, and fostered partnerships with law enforcement, veterinary organizations, and local nonprofits.
Her advocacy extends beyond BRCC—Stephanie serves on the board of the Virginia Association of Licensed Veterinary Technicians (VALVT), where she successfully fought to keep student membership free. She also organizes and secures funding for second-year students to attend the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association conference each year.
Stephanie’s commitment to student engagement, community impact, and professional development has made her an irreplaceable leader and an inspiring mentor. Her longtime efforts are finally recognized with this well-deserved honor.
Congratulations, Stephanie Atkins, SCNAVTA Advisor of the Year!
