BOONE, N.C. — Jennifer Serling, director of Appalachian State University's Veterinary Technology program in the Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation, has been elected president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), a non-profit organization committed to advancing the profession of veterinary nursing through strategic advocacy, awareness, and professional development.
“I’m honored to serve as president of NAVTA and grateful for the trust of the board,” said Serling in a NAVTA press release. “I look forward to working closely with our volunteer board, professional staff and partners to reinforce NAVTA’s position as a strong, credible voice for our members and to advance the veterinary technician profession.”
Serling, a credentialed veterinary technician since 1992, specializes in large animal nursing. She has authored two veterinary technician textbooks for Bluedoor Publishing and contributed to several others. She is committed to service, serving on the boards of three animal welfare and rescue organizations and volunteering at veterinary charity events throughout the year.
A nationally recognized speaker on large animal medicine and veterinary technology education, Serling is a past president of the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators, a founding member of the Academy of Veterinary Technician Specialists in Education, and holds the advanced credential of Veterinary Technician Education Specialist.
Serling has been an educator since 2007, serving 11 years as program director for a veterinary technician school in Tucson, Arizona, before joining App State's Veterinary Technology program as the assistant director when it was launched in 2022. She has served as director of the program since 2024.
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About the Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation
Appalachian State University’s Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation is one of 17 academic departments in the College of Arts and Sciences and serves as a hub for App State faculty, staff and students working on scholarship, teaching and service with rural community partners. The department, which launched in summer 2021, is home to App State’s online, four-year Bachelor of Science in veterinary technology degree and offers seed grants to fund research or service-learning class collaborations that address challenges faced by rural American communities. Learn more at rri.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
January 23, 2026
BOONE, N.C.
Jennifer Serling is the director of Appalachian State University's Veterinary Technology program in the Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation.
Jennifer Serling is the director of Appalachian State University's Veterinary Technology program in the Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation.