July 29, 2024 – Bridgewater, NJ. Blue Ridge Community College and Nicole Getzloff, CVT, are the respective recipients of the 2024 Student Chapter and Student Advisor of the Year Awards presented by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
NAVTA has more than 100 student chapters across the United States at AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician schools. Chapters enable students to gain valuable experience, learn from seasoned professionals, and experience being a part of a vibrant group that is highly engaged in community service. Each of those chapters is led by a Credentialed Veterinary Technician who has a passion for shaping the profession’s future by helping form the next generation of Veterinary Technicians.
Every year, NAVTA recognizes the outstanding work of one Student Chapter and one Student Chapter Advisor, both of which are nominated by the members and leaders of the Chapters.
For the 2023-2024 Academic Year, the awards are exclusively sponsored by Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets. This generous sponsorship has allowed NAVTA to offer the following prizes:
- A $500 cash prize
- The Student Chapter renewal will be paid for the following year
- A plaque to display
- A feature in the NAVTA Journal
Advisor of the Year
Nicole Getzloff, CVT, the advisor of the Northcentral Technical College (NTC) Student Chapter of NAVTA, is this year’s Advisor of the Year.
Nicole was nominated by three students and a member of staff at NTC. She was praised for her exceptional commitment to the growth and development of NTC’s SCNAVTA student members. As the club’s creator and advisor for the past two years, Nicole has shown unparalleled dedication, enthusiasm, and support, guiding the club through various initiatives and challenges.
Nicole’s remarkable contributions include her dedication to the personal and academic growth of members, offering mentorship, guidance, and resources, and organizing workshops. She prioritizes the well-being and success of students, fostering a community of inclusivity and support.
Her involvement extends beyond the club, collaborating with NTC’s Professional Agriculture Students (PAS) Club, organizing vaccine clinics, and working with the Beta Rho Zeta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society on community projects. Nicole raises awareness of mental health in the veterinary field and encourages student participation in various activities.
Nicole’s leadership, dedication, and support have profoundly impacted NTC’s SCNAVTA members and the organization. She is highly deserving of recognition for her exceptional service and commitment.
Chapter of the Year
Blue Ridge Community College, in Weyers Cave, VA, is the 2024 Student Chapter of the Year.
The chapter has been active for over four decades, and its mission includes promoting “the profession of veterinary technology, to educate and inform the public about responsible pet care, to enhance the human/companion animal body, and facilitate good relations between on-campus and distance education students.”
During the 2023-2024 school year, the Chapter achieved the following endeavors:
- Students were welcomed with sponsored gift bags at orientation.
- Club officers organized events and fundraisers, rewarding dedicated members.
- Educational initiatives included lunch and learn sessions with guest speakers.
- Student attendance at the Virginia Veterinary Conference was supported.
- A successful native-nut collection drive and fundraiser was hosted, benefiting the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
- There were multiple fundraising efforts, including pizza kit sales and merchandise, generated profits.
- A campus-wide bake-off raised $1000 for the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project post-wildfires.
- The club spearheaded various social events and initiated graduation cord rewards for active participants.
- A total of $6031.04 was raised, with donations to multiple charitable causes.
Blue Ridge Community College’s NAVTA student chapter stood out with these accomplishments and was ultimately selected from eleven other nominations.
NAVTA congratulates and thanks its winners for their outstanding service to the Veterinary Technology/Nursing profession!
For more about NAVTA, visit www.navta.net
For more about NAVTA’s student chapters, visit https://navta.net/students/.