Dr. Jennifer Mason, DVM, FVTE, Veterinary Technology Program Director at Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC), has been honored as one of the first Fellows of the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE). This prestigious recognition is a testament to Mason's unwavering dedication to veterinary technician education and her leadership in advancing the profession.

A Leader in Veterinary Technician Education

Dr. Mason’s journey in veterinary medicine began with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia in 2007. For over a decade, she served as an Associate Veterinarian at Thomasville Animal Hospital before transitioning to her current role as the Veterinary Technology Program Director at SRTC in 2018. Since then, she has spearheaded several key initiatives to enhance the educational experience for aspiring veterinary technicians.

One of her most notable achievements is establishing an articulation agreement with St. Matthews University, which allows students in SRTC's Veterinary Technology program to smoothly transition to St. Matthews' DVM program. This agreement minimizes the loss of credits and prevents unnecessary duplication of coursework, making it easier for students to pursue advanced degrees.

The Prestigious AVTE Fellows Program

The AVTE Fellows Program recognizes educators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing veterinary technician education through leadership, mentorship, and innovation. The rigorous selection process involved a self-study, through which Mason showcased her dedication to shaping the future of veterinary education.

Dr. Mason was officially inducted as an AVTE Fellow at the 2024 AVTE Annual Conference in Houston, Texas, alongside her peers in the inaugural class. This new designation allows her to use the title FVTE (Fellow of Veterinary Technician Educators) in all communications and provides her with exclusive opportunities to participate in programming designed for Fellows.

A Future of Collaboration and Innovation

As a Fellow, Mason will continue to play a pivotal role in developing initiatives that advance veterinary technician education. Reflecting on the honor, she said, "I am deeply honored to become an AVTE Fellow. This designation reflects my commitment to the profession and highlights the collaborative efforts of my colleagues and students who inspire me daily."

Her recognition as an AVTE Fellow not only celebrates her personal achievements but also emphasizes the importance of veterinary technician education in the broader landscape of veterinary care. According to Jen Serling, AVTE’s Immediate Past President, “To become a Fellow of the AVTE recognizes true commitment to our shared mission. We are honored to recognize the collective achievements of our inaugural class of Fellows and believe that their collective voice will play a leading role in the future of veterinary care.”

A Bright Future for Veterinary Technician Education

Dr. Mason’s passion for veterinary education and her innovative efforts have positioned her as a leader in the field. As she continues to inspire the next generation of veterinary professionals, her role as an AVTE Fellow will allow her to contribute even more to the advancement of veterinary technician education.

With her accomplishments and vision, Dr. Mason is setting the stage for a brighter, more supportive future for veterinary technicians and the profession as a whole.