August 2, 2025 – (Branchburg, NJ) The Vet Tech Student Association (VTSA) at Universidad Ana G. Méndez (UAGM)–Ponce and Stephanie Atkins of Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) are the 2025 recipients of the Student Chapter and Student Advisor of the Year Awards, presented by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
NAVTA is proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of student chapters and their advisors from among more than 100 active NAVTA student chapters across the country. These chapters, based at AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs, provide students with meaningful opportunities for leadership, service, and professional growth. Each chapter is guided by a dedicated advisor—typically a credentialed veterinary professional—who helps shape the future of the profession by supporting and mentoring the next generation of veterinary technicians.
For the 2024–2025 academic year, the Student Chapter and Student Advisor of the Year Awards are exclusively sponsored by Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets. Through their generous support, NAVTA is able to present:
- A $500 cash prize
- Complimentary Student Chapter renewal for the following year
- A recognition plaque
- A feature in the NAVTA Journal
Advisor of the Year
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.
Chapter of the Year
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.
NAVTA congratulates Stephanie Atkins and the Vet Tech Student Association at UAGM–Ponce for their inspiring leadership and commitment to the veterinary technology profession.
For more about NAVTA, visit www.navta.net
For more about NAVTA’s student chapters, visit https://navta.net/students/