Writer: Robert Burns, 903-312-3199, rd-burns@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – The Texas Veterinary Medical Association has been honored with an Extension Partnership Award presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
The award was presented Jan. 6 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Conference held on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station.
The award nomination noted that AgriLife Extension livestock programs and 4-H education both rely on partners who have extensive knowledge and experience in animal care.
According to the nomination, the Austin-based veterinary medical organization partners with AgriLife Extension to offer specialized programming to students, “not only helping students learn how to raise their animals, but also preparing students to pursue an animal care career. In a collaborative effort with Extension and the Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases, the association sponsors the Veterinary Science Certificate Program for 4-H youth and high schools students across the state.”
Also, the nomination noted that the veterinary medical organization provides a sound platform for students who want to pursue an associate, undergraduate, graduate or professional degree in the veterinary science.
“When students successfully complete the program, TVMA authorizes them to take the certified veterinary assistant qualifying exam,” according to the nomination. “Andrea Walker, TVMA director of training and certification, leads the certification program, helping students prepare for the exam and facilitating the certification process. Through this and other partnership projects with TVMA, AgriLife is helping equip the workforce of tomorrow in the vital role of animal care and safeguarding of our livestock production.”
Established in 1999, the Extension Partnership Award recognizes vital alliances with agencies, organizations and others beyond The Texas A&M University System. AgriLife Extension honors those partners whose dedicated collaboration and support have significantly enhanced the outreach and impact of AgriLife Extension programs for the people of Texas.
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