August 5, 2023 – Bridgewater, NJ. Blinn College and Brie Pruitt, LVMT, are the respective recipients of the 2023 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 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
Brie Pruitt, LVMT, the advisor of the Columbia State Community College Student Chapter of NAVTA, is this year’s Advisor of the Year.
Brie was nominated by four different students, attesting to her widespread impact on the students. In the nominations, the students wrote: Brie “has been an exceptional SCNAVTA Advisor. She helps facilitate fundraisers, helps us think of new events, and is always planning new educational trips. She allows students to shadow her at work so we can see licensed technicians being utilized to their fullest extent.”
The nomination continued, noting that since the beginning, this advisor has always encouraged students to advocate for themselves, and emphasized the importance of mental health within the profession. Her door is always open for a quick venting session and she is always willing to offer assistance whenever she can.
Under her guidance, last year alone the SCNAVTA chapter hosted two Dog Washes, two shirt sales, and a new fundraiser: Santa Paws. In addition to promoting SCNAVTA, this advisor encourages her students to participate in other school events, such as the Student Government’s Trunk-or-Treat Event.
A clear indication of this advisor’s dedication was included in one student’s nomination when she wrote that the advisor “helped me even though she wasn’t my school-assigned advisor and did her best to guide me through my college career. She cares about what she does for the community and goes above and beyond.”
Chapter of the Year
Blinn College, in College Station, Texas, is the 2022-2023 Student Chapter of the Year.
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 to be involved in community service and develop future leaders of the Veterinary Technician profession.
The Blinn College chapter actively promoted the careers of veterinary technicians by leading campus tours and Q&A sessions of the Program to local high schools. They also set up booths and handed out program and career information to students at several local events.
But where this chapter really excelled was in the area of community service. Despite having fewer than 25 members, they found the time to work with a local rescue and hosted four free microchip and nail trim events, improving the lives of more than 200 pets! They also volunteered at a local fair, where the students checked paperwork for all incoming equines; and they participated in a local elementary school’s event where they showcased reptiles and taught students about their care.
Through their time with the chapter, the students have also developed their leadership skills, participating in bimonthly meetings for all campus clubs and the school’s Leadership Summit.
NAVTA congratulates and thanks its winners for their outstanding service to the Veterinary Technician profession!
For more about NAVTA, visit www.navta.net
For more about NAVTA’s student chapters, visit https://navta.net/students/.