CONTINUING A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

There was a changing of the guard in the veterinary technology (VT) program last summer as the retiring director was honored with a scholarship in his name, and a long-time professor assumed the role.

Last year, a scholarship was established to honor retired MSU Professor Dr. Philip Prater, D.V.M. The scholarship provides financial aid for students in the veterinary science program. Donors have contributed approximately $10,000 in funding for the scholarship fund.

Prater began his career at MSU in 1998 and served as faculty advisor to pre-veterinary medicine students and the Pre-Vet Club.

Prater was surprised with the scholarship announcement at his retirement reception in June.

“This is the most humbling honor that any instructor could ever have bestowed on them,” Prater said.

“My hope is that these funds would serve to relieve some of the tremendous debt burden that prevet students incur in their eight-year education.”

Filling Prater’s position as veterinary technology program director is Associate Professor Dr. Amy Staton (Class of 2003, 2004, 2013). She joined the veterinary technology team at MSU in the fall of 2008. She earned associate and bachelor’s degrees in veterinary technology and a Doctor of Education from MSU.

Staton said the focus of the program has always been student success.

“Graduates of this program are in high demand because of the proficiency they gain during their educational career. The MSU VT Program is one of the top in the nation,” she said. “I am privileged to share my passion with others and to make a positive impact on the profession.”

Help future students succeed by supporting this scholarship fund at alumni.moreheadstate.edu/prater.