BOONE, N.C. — On April 19, two faculty members from Appalachian State University’s Veterinary Technology program presented at a local veterinary technology conference. The conference, held in Hickory, was hosted by Carolina Animal Specialty and Emergency (CASE), a trusted clinical affiliate of the program since the launch of its clinical externship component in 2023. As a clinical partner, CASE has hosted multiple veterinary technology externs, providing hands-on opportunities to build essential skills in a busy veterinary practice.
At the conference, Clinical Director Leigha Wright presented on client communication, focusing on navigating emotions, expectations and clarity within the veterinary setting. Her session offered practical strategies not only for veterinary technology students but also for practicing technicians and support staff who regularly work with clients in emotionally charged situations.
Lecturer and Content Developer Bethany Gabrie presented on the fundamentals of veterinary triage, walking attendees through example cases to illustrate real-world application. Her session emphasized critical thinking and practical assessment skills, helping participants better understand how to evaluate and prioritize patient needs in urgent and emergency scenarios.
By engaging with veterinary facilities across North Carolina, program faculty bring real-world perspectives and current industry knowledge into their virtual classrooms. These professional development opportunities enhance the educational experience for students and strengthen partnerships between the program and regional veterinary providers. Through continued collaboration, both students and veterinary professionals benefit from shared expertise, hands-on learning and a collective commitment to advancing the field of veterinary technology.
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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.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at cas.appstate.edu.
Leigha Wright (left) and Bethany Gabrie (right). Photo submitted
Leigha Wright (left) and Bethany Gabrie (right). Photo submitted