Award Winners
NAVTA’s Veterinary Technician of the Year
Sam Geiling, CVT
NAVTA’s Veterinary Technician of the Year award is presented to a NAVTA member who has provided leadership and contributed to the association and the overall betterment of the Veterinary Technology profession.
Geiling is the Chief of Staff for Animal Policy Group and serves as Co-Chair of NAVTA’s Government Relations Committee (GRC). She is a credentialed veterinary technician with over 15 years of experience and holds an AAS in veterinary animal health technology from Central Carolina Community College.
“I am honored to be recognized as NAVTA’s Veterinary Technician of the Year,” Geiling said. “This past year has brought a lot of recognition for veterinary technicians, and I am proud to work closely with the Government Relations Committee to ensure vet tech leaders in every state have the tools they need to make advancements for the profession. I want to be clear that my leadership on the GRC is possible because of veterinary technician advocates who have come through the ranks before me, and many of them are continuing their advocacy journey alongside us. As the GRC knows well, I am an optimist, and I know the future of veterinary medicine is bright. Let’s continue to work together and ensure credentialed veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants are elevated in every state.”
In nominating Sam, her colleague wrote:
Sam’s remarkable dedication, profound impact on the veterinary community, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of our profession make her an ideal candidate for this esteemed award.
Sam’s journey as a Navy veteran speaks to her strong sense of duty and service, qualities that she has seamlessly transferred to the field of veterinary technology. Her contributions to NAVTA have been nothing short of remarkable. Even before being officially recognized, Sam was already laboring diligently behind the scenes. In 2022, her exceptional efforts were acknowledged when she was appointed as Co-chair of NAVTA’s Government Relations Committee (GRC). Under her leadership, the GRC has achieved unprecedented success in a relatively short period.
One of the most impressive feats achieved by Sam and her GRC team is the mobilization of over 25 states to address vital issues. These include securing title protection in states where it was lacking, advocating for veterinary technician representation on the state board in Missouri, spearheading the creation of a state association in Connecticut, and providing vital support for Scope of Practice in Kentucky, among numerous other accomplishments. Sam’s leadership and determination have been instrumental in driving these initiatives to success, which has had a significant positive impact on our profession nationwide.
NAVTA congratulates its 2023 Veterinary Technician of the Year, Sam Geiling!
NAVTA’s Student Chapter of the Year (2022-2023 Academic Year)
Blinn College
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.
Congratulations to Blinn College, SCNAVTA Chapter of the Year!
NAVTA’s Student Chapter Advisor of the Year
(2022-2023 Academic Year)
Brie Pruitt, LVMT
Columbia State Community College
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.”
Congratulations, Brie Pruitt, SCNAVTA Advisor of the Year!