NAVTA announces student chapter awards

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The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) announced the recipients of its 2024 Student Chapter and Student Advisor of the Year awards—a recognition of exemplary work of 1 student chapter and 1 student chapter advisor to promoting the field of veterinary technology.^1,3 This year, the awards were given to Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave, Virginia; and Nicole Getzloff, CVT, advisor of the Northcentral Technical College (NTC) Student Chapter of the NAVTA (SCNAVTA).

Every year, the recipients of the awards are selected by members of NAVTA’s Chapters. The organization has more than 100 student chapters at AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician schools in the United States. SCNAVTA membership provides students with experience, opportunities to learn from professionals, and involvement community service, according to an organizational release.¹ It also introduces incoming freshmen to the veterinary technology career and plays a role in creating well-rounded veterinary technicians, according to NAVTA.² Moreover, a credentialed veterinary technician (CVT) dedicated to shaping the future of the profession by mentoring the next generation of veterinary technicians leads each Chapter.¹

2024 Student Chapter Advisor of the Year

The Student Chapter Advisor of the Year award honors advisors who have shown exceptional commitment to their chapter, motivated and supported members, and served as outstanding leaders and role models, according to NAVTA.³ The award recognizes their ability to inspire students, fostering both professional, and personal growth in the veterinary field.³

This year, Getzloff was nominated by 3 students and a member of staff at NTC as the 2024 Advisor of the Year for her exceptional dedication to the NTC student members of SCNAVTA. “As the club’s founder and advisor for the past two years, she has demonstrated outstanding commitment, enthusiasm, and support, leading the club through numerous initiatives and challenges,” wrote NAVTA in a news release.¹

Getzloff mentored students, provided resources, offered guidance, and organized workshops to support the personal and academic growth of members. She has also collaborated with NTC’s Professional Agriculture Students (PAS) Club, organized vaccine clinics, and partnered with the Beta Rho Zeta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society on community projects, while promoting mental health awareness in the veterinary field and encouraging student engagement, according to the release.¹

“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,” read a statement by NAVTA.¹

2024 Student Chapter of the Year

The Student Chapter of the Year award recognizes chapters that excel in community service and demonstrate a strong commitment to the veterinary profession. It honors those that enhance members' educational and professional development while actively advancing veterinary technology and nursing through diverse initiatives.⁴

This 2024 award was presented to Blue Ridge Community College. According to NAVTA, the chapter has been active for more than 40 years with a mission to advance the veterinary technology profession, educate and inform the public on responsible pet care, improve the bond between people and their pets, and foster positive connections between on-campus and distance education students. Blue Ridge was chosen from a pool of 11 other nominees.¹

Some of the key initiatives Blue Ridge has accomplished during the 2023-2024 school year include welcoming students with gift bags at orientation, organizing events and fundraisers for dedicated members, and hosting educational sessions with guest speakers. The chapter also supported student attendance at the Virginia Veterinary Conference, conducted a successful native-nut collection drive for the Wildlife Center of Virginia, and engaged in various fundraising activities including pizza kit sales and a bake-off that raised $1000 for the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project. Overall, they raised $6031.04 for multiple charitable causes and organized social events and graduation cord rewards for active participants.¹

References

1. NAVTA honors 2024 Student Advisor and Student Chapter of the Year. News release. National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. July 29, 2024. Accessed August 5, 2024. https://navta.net/news/navta-honors-2024-student-advisor-and-student-chapter-of-the-year/
2. Student chapters of NAVTA. National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://navta.net/students/
3. SCNAVTA Advisor of the Year award. National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://navta.net/awards/scnavta-advisor-of-the-year/