UC Blue Ash faculty members earn prestigious national recognition

Kelly Vearil (left) works on a project with a student in the Veterinary Technology Lab at UC Blue Ash. Photo/UC Blue Ash College.

Three faculty members in the Veterinary Technology Department at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College have been inducted into the inaugural class of the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators Fellows.

Jennifer Wells, DVM, professor and chair of the Veterinary Technology Department; Stacey Benton, DVM, associate professor; and Kelly Vearil, assistant professor, are among the 41 AVTE members nationwide to receive the special recognition.

"It is definitely an honor to be inducted in the inaugural class of AVTE Fellows," said Wells, who has been in veterinary technology education for 22 years. "As a past AVTE President, I am thrilled that the organization began this program to recognize the sometimes unrecognized yet tireless work of the hundreds of vet tech educators who do this every day."

AVTE Fellows are described by the organization as "exceptional veterinary technician educators who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, innovation and mentorship contributions. These individuals have undergone a rigorous self-study, showcasing their dedication to our shared mission and the students and communities we serve."

Jennifer Wells (left) checks on a patient with one of her students. Photo/UC Blue Ash College.

AVTE members are responsible for educating the approximately 150,000 veterinary technicians who are licensed in the U.S. A veterinary technician has similar skills and responsibilities to those of a nurse. The training they receive includes animal husbandry and restraint, surgical preparation and techniques, drug administration, anesthesia, anatomy and laboratory techniques. They must earn their Associate in Applied Science degree before taking their licensing exam.

Benton says she hopes the new AVTE Fellows program will raise awareness about the rigorous education that is required to become a credentialed vet tech. She is a veterinarian who was inspired to leave private practice after getting the experience to work with students.

"When I began teaching, I saw the huge impact our vet tech program has on the veterinary community. We teach student technicians not only how to provide exceptional care for their patients, but also how to educate and support clients so the care continues when patients go home. Most importantly, we model self-care, empathy and resilience which are all essential skills to thrive in veterinary medicine," said Benton. She began teaching 12 years ago and became a full-time faculty member in 2017.

Vearil is a highly respected faculty member who has been a vet tech educator for 17 years. She was the first person in Ohio to earn a Veterinary Technology Specialty in Dentistry. It's just one of her areas of expertise as she works with students and watches them grow during their time in the program.

"Passion is contagious, and I don't hold back, so I love to see the students catch it and try a skill they've never done before. And when they succeed - watch them light up! There is absolutely nothing better than being able to give back to my profession by helping mold students into compassionate, capable veterinary technicians," Vearil added.

The UC Blue Ash Veterinary Technology Department was founded in 1969 and has earned a reputation across our region for producing graduates who are professional, skilled and well-prepared. It offers full- and part-time programs to provide flexible options for students who also work while going to school.

See the full list of the inaugural class of AVTE Fellows online.

Featured image: Left to right, Dr. Stacey Benton, Dr. Jennifer Wells and Kelly Vearil in the Veterinary Technology Lab on the UC Blue Ash campus. Photo/UC Blue Ash College.

Peter Gemmer

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