Southwest Georgia Technical College (SWGTC) Veterinary Technology Instructor Sharon Poitevint, RVT, Junie (dog) Vet Tech mascot (from left), Willie Howard, Eva Rivero, Chelsea Roberts, Lauren Wentworth, Kimberly Howell, Lindsey Thompson, and Bo Curles, DVM, SWGTC Veterinary Technology Program Director.

The Veterinary Technology Pinning Ceremony for the inaugural class was held Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Southwest Georgia Technical College lecture hall.

Six students received their Associate of Applied Science Degree in Veterinary Technology. This is the first class to graduate the Vet Tech Program. Those graduating and receiving their pin were Willie Howard, Kimberly Howell, Eva Rivero, Chelsea Roberts, Lindsey Thompson and Lauren Wentworth, all of Thomasville.

The 2013 graduating class is not only the first class of the vet tech program, but as they leave the technical college, they all have jobs in their field.

Willie Howard and Lauren Wentworth with be working as a Vet Techs at North Florida Animal Hospital in Tallahassee (Fla.); Kimberly Howell at the Mitchell County Animal Clinic; Eva Rivero at the Blue Pear Georgia Veterinary Specialists in Sandy Springs, and she will be starting at Georgia State to complete her bachelor’s degree in Biology and she also plans to pursue her doctorate in veterinary medicine; Chelsea Roberts and Lindsey Thompson at Clanton, Malphus, Hodges Veterinary Hospital.

The ceremony started with Dr. Craig R. Wentword, president of Southwest Georgia Technical College, called the program to order. A procession of the six Vet Tech graduated followed. The president then welcomed family, friends and faculty to the ceremony, along with Dr. Bo Curles and Sharon Poitevint recognizing the faculty.

Kelly Foltz, Auburn University Small Animal Clinic, Critical Care Pensacola State College and Instructor of Veterinary Technology, was the guest speaker for the graduates. She gave a speech to the graduates based on her experiences as a vet tech.

She said, “Always follow your passion and interests in veterinary medicine because he never know where they will lead,” Foltz also told the graduates to not “forget the person”. She recognized that they chose the profession because they are passionate about the animals, but to always remember there is a person behind that animal.

“Always continue to channel that inner child who loved animals, always brought in strays and tried to save any hurt creature they came in contact with—that will keep you from becoming numb,” Foltz explained.

Dr. Danny Culberth, Thomasville Animal Hospital, also encouraged the students with a speech. He said, “Never give up.” As he told about his first week on the job as a veterinarian and the things he encountered.

Culbert said, “Try everything in your power, and give it your all.”

He also stressed the importance of learning by doing. He said they were all very intelligent and talented students.

“The instructors have given you the tools and information you need to be wonderful veterinary technicians. You now have to master recalling that information and every time you do a procedure, the next time it will be easier and so on.”

After the guest speeches, gifts were presented to the graduates. Frank Ball presented them with “Hills Science Diet” book; Sharon Poitevint presented “MWI Veterinary Supply” on behalf of Jane Ellen Craig; and Glenda Caviness presented each graduate with a Bible.

Afterwards, the official pinning ceremony began. Carla Barrow, Dean for Academic Affairs, introduced each student who would be receiving a pin. Dr. Bo Curles and Sharon Poitevint pinned the students as they were introduced.

 Curles said, “This pinning represents two years of hard work on behalf of the students, the College and the instructors. Developing this program from the ground up has been a learning experience, and a challenge, but for such a worthy cause in the end. I am so proud of where this program is today, and am excited to see where it goes in the future. These students paved the way for future vet tech students.”

Recently, the SWGTC Vet Tech Program received American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) National accreditation. The accreditation is granted through the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). Thanks to the accreditation, SWGTC Vet Tech graduates will be eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination, the national board exam for prospective veterinary technologists. Program graduates also qualify to apply for credentials as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in the state of Georgia.

“We are thrilled to get word of our AVMA accreditation. For the first time in over 20 years the residents of southwest Georgia have the option to attend an AVMA accredited Vet Tech program. This is not only great for our community and potential students, but also for the veterinarians in southwest Georgia who will now have easier access to qualified vet techs,” said Dr. Annie McElroy, Vice President for Academic Affairs for SWGTC.

SWGTC’s Vet Tech Program launched in Fall Semester 2011, along with the opening of the new Health Science Building. The two-year program prepares graduates for careers as vet techs in a variety of settings.

SWGTC Veterinary Technology Instructor Sharon Poitevint said, “After almost 30 years of practice as a veterinary technician, I was nervous to embark on a new career as an instructor. However, as I look back now, I know i made the right decision. These students, and this journey, have made such a positive impact on my life. It has served as a period of growth for not only the students, but also for me. I like to think back on my first few days with them, how they were, and how they are today. I am really proud of their hard work and success, and cant wait to see their futures unfold.”

 For more information on SWGTC’s Vet Tech program, contact Dr. Bo Curles, Vet Tech Program Director, at bcurles@southwestgatech.edu or (229) 227-3166 or Sharon Poitevint, Vet Tech Faculty, at spoitevint@southwestgatech.edu or (229) 227-3174.

Reporter Susanne Reynolds can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.