For Immediate Release
August 18, 2022 – Bridgewater, NJ. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) recently announced Foothill College was awarded the association’s Student Chapter of the Year Award for the 2021-2022 academic year, and that Jennifer Smith, RVT, RLATG was the association’s Student Advisor of the Year.
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 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.
Advisor of the Year
Jennifer Smith, RVT, RLATG, the Advisor of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Student Chapter of NAVTA, is this year’s Advisor of the Year.
In the nomination form, the chapter leaders wrote: “Our Chapter Advisor is incredible! For the past year or so, she has struggled with various health issues and, for a while, was even dependent on supplemental oxygen. Despite this, she never faltered. She teaches classes, helps organize our SCNAVTA club meetings, plans activities, organizes VTNE review sessions, and arranges networking activities such as Lunch and Learns.”
The nomination continued: “Our Advisor has drastically enriched countless lives of those in the Veterinary Nursing program. She always makes herself accessible to us and is always ready and willing to answer questions. She is always available to talk to when we need help.”
The nomination concluded: “Our Advisor’s tireless effort to support students has allowed us to learn and develop as future veterinary nurses. Her dedication, kindness, and perseverance have made her an irreplaceable SCNAVTA advisor and a valued member of our community.”
Chapter of the Year
Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, California, is the 2021-2022 Student Chapter of the Year Award.
The Chapter’s Advisor, in submitting the nomination, noted that despite the challenges of the past two years, the Chapter and its leaders never lost sight of its mission nor lost its drive to help, support, and serve its community.
Despite having only virtual meetings, the Chapter creates an engaging and inclusive environment by incorporating activities such as a member/pet Halloween costume contest, Secret Snowbuddy gift exchange, a pajama party, and “who’s wearing the most green?” contest.
The Chapter has been fundraising to support its members’ academic and professional goals while making meaningful community contributions. See’s Candies, Pizza My Heart, logowear, Littmann stethoscopes, and Nurse Pro Pack fundraisers were successful, and the specialized Vet Tech Appreciation Week pins were a big hit.
The Chapter also organized a CPR training course for students and reopened a donation-based snack shop on campus to assist students struggling with food insecurity.
In December, they hosted a pet supply drive, collecting over five cartloads of donations for a local SPCA.
To enhance student education and networking beyond the classroom, the Chapter had behind-the-scenes tours at the local SPCA and at nearby zoos.
Chapter Members are also encouraged to volunteer and intern at local shelters and rescue centers, made easier by our Advisor’s connections at all of these places. They also participate in the biannual Small Animal Surgery Day to gain exposure to surgical assistance and anesthesia skills necessary for a Veterinary Technician.
NAVTA congratulates and thanks its winners for their outstanding service to the Veterinary Technician profession!
About NAVTA
NAVTA is a US-based not-for-profit membership community of more than 8,500 Credentialed Veterinary Technicians, as well as Veterinary Assistants and other veterinary support staff involved in veterinary care. NAVTA advances the profession of veterinary technology and veterinary nursing through its advocacy and awareness programs, and by providing continuing professional development opportunities. NAVTA supports the veterinary technology and veterinary nursing profession with a host of programs and benefits, available at https://navta.net/membership/
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