The Veterinary Technology Program is proud to announce our Outstanding Seniors for Spring 2026! A ceremony was held on Friday, April 24, 2026, to recognize all the Outstanding Seniors from the College of Arts & Sciences.
Paige Jimeson
Paige Jimeson, AAS, RVT, FVTE of Marion, North Carolina, is completing her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology with a Practice Management concentration at Appalachian State University and will graduate with honors.
Paige has worked in veterinary medicine for over 20 years, beginning at age sixteen when she started working in a small animal hospital to help pay for medical care for her own dog. That experience sparked a lifelong commitment to the profession.
After earning her AAS in Veterinary Technology from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician, Paige returned to A-B Tech as an instructor and now serves as Department Chair of the Veterinary Technology Program. She has dedicated her career to veterinary technician education and mentoring future professionals.
Paige is active in professional organizations, including the North Carolina Veterinary Technician Association and the SCNAVTA Veterinary Technology Club at Appalachian State. She is also a member of the Tri-Alpha Honor Society and Omega Nu Lambda Omicron Chapter.
An AVTE Teaching Fellow, Paige has recently presented at the AVTE Conference and published in the Journal of the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators. She is inspired by App State's own veterinary technician educator, Jennifer Serling. Paige plans to participate in the program’s veterinary study abroad experience in Africa this summer and pursue a master’s degree in veterinary technology education.
Through her work in education and professional service, Paige hopes to continue advancing veterinary technician education and supporting the next generation of veterinary professionals.
One faculty member wrote that Paige is incredibly professional. She is a natural leader and provides a huge benefit to our program, but she also contributes to our field as a whole. Another wrote, ‘Paige demonstrated strong understanding of situational leadership and clearly differentiated between clinical urgency and operational collaboration. Her work demonstrates advanced systems-level leadership thinking.
Justin Pedley
Justin Pedley is a senior from Sanford, NC. He is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) who transferred to App State after receiving his Associates Degree from Central Carolina Community College.
One Faculty member said of him, “Justin consistently demonstrates exceptional character and professionalism. He is reliable, accountable, respectful, and a strong communicator who always arrives prepared. Justin truly embodies the spirit of our program, and I am confident he will use the knowledge and experiences he has gained to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the field of veterinary medicine. Another faculty member wrote, ‘He worked with faculty on our study abroad to help the less experienced students perform various tasks. His positive demeanor is absolutely infectious.’
Emily Pitoniak
Emily Pitoniak is from the Charlotte area in NC. She chose to live in Boone for her degree and worked at the Humane Society, and later at a local veterinary clinic. With her degree, she is hoping to work for a vet clinic in Raleigh.
One faculty member said of Emily, ‘Emily is great in clinicals and so thorough in her communication. As a student she was great at advocating for herself in a respectful manner and I know this will continue throughout her time within the veterinary field as an awesome advocate for her patients. She will make an amazing credentialed technician!’ Another wrote, “She is incredibly conscientious about her work and always follows through. She also does thoughtful self assessment and looks for ways to grow her skills.”
Hailey Starnes
Hailey is from Statesville, NC. Her favorite moments in the program centered around the connections she made during group projects. She plans to continue striving for excellence everyday, using the knowledge and experience she gained from this degree to succeed in her career.
One faculty member wrote of Hailey, ‘Hailey is an excellent student and represents herself and the program so well in clinical settings! She is a detailed student and always goes above and beyond on assignments and course work.’ Another wrote, “She did a strong job organizing complex regulatory material into a clear and readable format. Her selections from the North Carolina Practice Act were appropriate and relevant to daily veterinary practice, and she demonstrated a solid understanding of how these laws protect patients, clients, and the profession. I especially appreciated that she consistently tied legal rules back to ethical responsibility.’
culty member said of Emily, ‘Emily is great in clinicals and so thorough in her communication. As a student she was great at advocating for herself in a respectful manner and I know this will continue throughout her time within the veterinary field as an awesome advocate for her patients. She will make an amazing credentialed technician!’ Another wrote, “She is incredibly conscientious about her work and always follows through. She also does thoughtful self assessment and looks for ways to grow her skills.”