Blinn College issued the following announcement on July 2.
The Blinn College District has named Catherine Pfent, a 15-year educator and researcher, its new Veterinary Technology Program Director.
“Education and veterinary medicine always have been two of my greatest passions,” Pfent said. “This opportunity to serve as the Director of Blinn’s Veterinary Technology Program allows me to combine these passions in an environment known for producing highly qualified and knowledgeable veterinary technicians.”
Pfent comes to Blinn from Lincoln Memorial University (LMU), where she served as an Assistant Professor of Pathology from 2015-2018. There, Pfent played an instrumental role in the development of the 30th veterinary school in the United States. She and her team implemented unique procedures into the curriculum, such as increasing the time students spent in hands-on learning activities, resulting in quicker skills absorption at an earlier point in their education.
“My experience at LMU puts me in a unique position,” Pfent said. “Since we were tasked with building a veterinary school from the ground up, we decided to use well-researched, innovative ideas rather than just do what every institution did with their program. I am very passionate about bringing this same progressive philosophy to the field of veterinary technology education at Blinn to make our students the most qualified they can be once they graduate.”
Pfent previously served as a Graduate Research Assistant and Assistant Lecturer at Texas A&M University from 2007-2015, a Junior Scientist at Michigan State University from 2005-2007, and a Research Assistant at Wayne State University’s School of Medicine from 2001-2003. She also served as a dance instructor and middle school teacher prior to her tenure in higher education.
Pfent holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in biological sciences and a Master of Science degree in molecular biology from Wayne State University; a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Michigan State University; and a Doctor of Philosophy in veterinary pathology from Texas A&M University.
“Dr. Pfent’s extensive experience as an educator and researcher makes her an excellent leader for Blinn’s Veterinary Technology Program,” said Karen Buck, Vice Chancellor of Student Services and Administration. “Her passion for teaching and commitment to student success will be valuable as Blinn trains the next generation of veterinary technicians serving our community.”
Blinn’s Veterinary Technology Program is one of just 10 accredited programs in the state that offers veterinary technology training. The College District’s partnership with Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences allows Blinn students to get hands-on training in every aspect of the wide-ranging field.
After earning their Associate of Applied Science degree, program graduates are eligible to take their state and national exams to become fully-credentialed licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs), with an average salary of $33,400. While most LVTs work in private practices, graduates also find employment with animal shelters, stables, reproductive facilities, zoos, wildlife facilities, pharmaceutical sales, the military, and homeland security.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up