Aggie Club Highlight, STVMA

Oct. 20, 2020

By Malina Lindstrom, student writer

This week’s Aggie Club Highlight comes to us from Kaylee Springer, a second-year student and president of STVMA.

What is STVMA, and who are the members? How many members do you have?

STVMA is the Student Technicians of Veterinary Medicine Association.  Members include anyone that is in the veterinary technology division at NCTA. This year, we have a little over 70 members. 

When and where does the club meet?

We meet at noon in the amphitheater of the Vet Tech Building on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. The first years also meet at noon of every first and third Tuesday of the month to go over diversity learning events and the Vet Tech handbook. 

Who are the student leaders/ officers?

Kaylee Springer is president, Gaby Campisi is vice president, Aileen Reynosa is secretary, and Nicole Wright is treasurer. Sarah Campbell (2nd year) and Aubrey Kelley (1st year) are our Student Senate representatives. 

Describe some of the activities and what they entail – service, education, fundraising, other

Last week, October 11-17, was our Vet Tech Appreciation Week, so we did little events every day as a thank you to all the students and faculty. These things included a Halloween egg hunt, movie night, snack day, and a few other events. We also host the Halloween Dance every year, volunteer with the food pantry, help with NCTA Discovery Days, Continuing Education seminars, and a towel/blanket drive for kennel and animal bedding (which is going on right now). 

Who are the staff sponsors?

Our STVMA sponsors are Professor Ricky Sue Barnes, DVM, and Chrissy Barnhart, administrative lab support associate and instructor for facilities management class. 

What is a highlight of your club participation?

First years are able to get STVMA t-shirts if they come to at least 70% of the meetings, and the second/third year students can get jackets and t-shirts if they attend 70% of the meetings. We also decided this year we will do little prizes if students come to all or most of the meetings. The prizes can range from candy to gift certificates of some sort.

How do students become a member of STVMA and who can they contact with questions?

Any student that is in the veterinary technology division is automatically in the group. If students have questions they can contact, Dr. Barnes, Chrissy or any of the officers.