A significant responsibility carried out reliably and unpretentiously by a Purdue Veterinary Medicine instructional technologist resulted in a well-deserved ovation Saturday, August 6, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the annual conference of the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE). That’s when Jennifer Smith, BS, RVT, RLATG, received the Advisor of the Year Award from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). And, in another positive reflection on Purdue Veterinary Medicine, the award was presented by Jennifer’s PVM colleague, Ashli Selke, RVT, CVT, in her role as NAVTA president.
Each year, NAVTA recognizes the outstanding work of the advisors of student chapters of NAVTA by sponsoring the SCNAVTA Advisor of the Year Award. Nominations come from the students in the chapters. Criteria for an advisor to be nominated include being instrumental in promoting veterinary technology to the students; demonstrating dedication to the student chapter; motivating and supporting the students in the chapter; and demonstrating leadership and serving as a good role model for students.
For Jennifer, her efforts as the Purdue SCNAVTA advisor must be accomplished along with all her other responsibilities as senior instructional specialist and Veterinary Nursing student life and activities coordinator. In presenting the award for the 2021-2022 academic year, Ashli quoted from Jennifer’s nominator who wrote, “Our Chapter Advisor is incredible!” The nomination went on to detail how Jennifer never faltered in fulfilling her role as advisor even when she faced some significant health issues over the past year. “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 nominator explained.
The nomination further commended Jennifer for having “…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 nominator 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.”
Ashli added, “I can personally vouch for the accuracy of this nomination, and I can say it would take an hour to tell you all about the great work and character of this nominee…” The plaque presented to Jennifer carries the following inscription: “The Executive Board of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America proudly presents this award to Jennifer Smith, BS, RVT, RLATG, for dedication and service to the Veterinary Nursing Students of Purdue University.”
“I am truly honored to receive this award for Advisor of the Year on behalf of NAVTA,” Jennifer said. “Thank you to members of the Veterinary Nursing Student Organization (VNSO) for considering me worthy of this special honor, and submitting the nomination. This award will serve as a great reminder that every day is an opportunity to help shape and inspire the next generation of veterinary nurses.”
Congratulations Jennifer!