{"id":90845,"date":"2020-01-07T21:50:30","date_gmt":"2020-01-07T21:50:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/historic-graduation-at-navajo-technical-university\/"},"modified":"2020-01-07T21:50:30","modified_gmt":"2020-01-07T21:50:30","slug":"historic-graduation-at-navajo-technical-university","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/historic-graduation-at-navajo-technical-university\/","title":{"rendered":"Historic graduation at Navajo Technical University"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Veterinary
Veterinary technology graduates Selena Saunders, left, and Krystal Louis were recognized during the fall commencement Dec. 13 at Navajo Technical University. They are the first to graduate as licensed veterinary technicians since NTU\u2019s Vet Tech program gained American Veterinary Medical Association accreditation in 2017.<\/span>Courtesy of Navajo Technical University<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

FARMINGTON \u2013 Two students made history when they became the first to graduate as licensed veterinary technicians from Navajo Technical University, according to an announcement from the school.<\/p>\n

Selena Saunder of Continental Divide, New Mexico, and Krystal Louis of Crownpoint, New Mexico, were the first students to graduate from the veterinary technology program and subsequently pass the state and national licensing exams since the university became accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2017, Veterinary Teaching Hospital Program Director Dr. Germaine Daye told The Durango Herald<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Daye, who was hired in 2015, said she first began working on getting the college accredited in 2013. The Navajo Technical University, located in Crownpoint and the largest tribal college in the country, is the first tribal college to be accredited and offer licensing for veterinary technicians.<\/p>\n

\"Graduate
Graduate Selena Saunders of Continental Divide, N.M., is adorned with a Registered Veterinary Technician pin at a pinning ceremony held Dec. 5 at Navajo Technical University\u2019s Hospitality Center.<\/span>Courtesy of Navajo Technical University<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

Daye said the accreditation, while making the program more rigorous and academically demanding, provides students with \u201cmore opportunities to specialize, more job opportunities and better pay than just being a veterinary assistant that\u2019s trained on the job.\u201d She added before students were eligible for state and national licensing through the program, students\u2019 job opportunities post-graduation were more limited.<\/p>\n

While the program had a couple former graduates who passed the state exam after the college was accredited, this is the first time students in the program have passed both the state and national licensing exam, Daye said.<\/p>\n

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez also attended the pinning ceremony last month. During the event, he said, \u201cWe are proud of this tribal institution. The two students are reflecting the resilience of our people since time immemorial. I want to say thank you. There is hope.\u201d Nez also thanked the university president, Dr. Elmer J. Guy, whom he credited with having a \u201cvision for the Navajo people as well as this institution.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Dr.
Dr. Germaine Daye assists Krystal Louis with a Registered Veterinary Technician pin on Dec. 5 at Navajo Technical University\u2019s Hospitality Building. Louis was hired upon graduation to work for NTU\u2019s Veterinary Technology program.<\/span>Courtesy of Navajo Technical University<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

During the pinning ceremony, Guy took the time to thank everyone involved in supporting the students and developing the program. \u201cIt\u2019s one of those things that doesn\u2019t happen by itself. It takes a lot of hard work,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The two students are already looking to their future as veterinarian technicians. Daye said Louis will become an instructor and help provide clinical services at the veterinary teaching hospital while Saunder is completing her practicum hours with a service in Albuquerque.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like we\u2019re on that path to graduating more students and really taking this program to the next level,\u201d Daye said.<\/p>\n

lweber@durangoherald.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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