We are delighted to announce that Jen Serling and Ann Wortinger from the Veterinary Technology program at Appalachian State University have been honored with the prestigious Dr. Earl H. Rippie Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship. This recognition is a testament to their outstanding leadership abilities and positive contributions to the growth of the veterinary profession and their respective practices.
The scholarship, awarded to credentialed veterinary nurses/technicians who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, provided Serling and Wortinger with an all-expense-paid trip to Orlando, Florida, to attend the Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX), the largest veterinary conference sponsored by the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC). The conference, held from January 13-17, 2024, boasted an impressive attendance of 27,000 professionals from the field.
The rigorous scholarship application process, initiated in April of the previous year, required candidates to submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation. Additionally, applicants were evaluated based on their association, academy, and committee involvement. Leadership roles, community service, and efforts in promoting the veterinary profession were meticulously documented. The scholarship winners were determined through a points system, reflecting their exceptional achievements in these areas.
The Dr. Earl H. Rippie Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship pays homage to the legacy of Dr. Rippie, a distinguished leader in the veterinary profession. Dr. Rippie's vision acknowledged veterinary technicians and nurses as crucial components in the practice, forming the spokes in the wheel and the heart of the hospital. He strongly believed in the equality of voices among veterinary team members.
In 2024, the Veterinary Technology program at Appalachian State University proudly produced two of the scholarship recipients, Serling and Wortinger. Joining them in this prestigious acknowledgment was a third recipient from a specialty practice in Australia. Their recognition exemplifies the program's commitment to fostering leadership and excellence within the veterinary nursing profession.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Serling (below, left) and Wortinger (below, right) for their well-deserved achievement and commend all recipients for their dedication to advancing the field of veterinary nursing.
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Earl H. Rippie Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship winners
Earl H. Rippie Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship winners