As a former Veterinary Technician herself, Dr. Stephanie Marks remembers what it was like to be on the other side of the table. It’s rare in education to have a technician who becomes a professor. 

That unique experience puts her in a position to teach, empower, and advocate for future generations of veterinary technicians. That voice became stronger this week as Marks was named to the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators’ inaugural fellowship class. 

The AVTE Fellow Program seeks to elevate the voice and stature of veterinary technician educators across North America. It recognizes, “an unwavering commitment to excellence and the profound impact of your contributions to veterinary education.”

“Dr. Marks has developed a veterinary technology program of excellence and now the entire nation is made aware of this,” Dr. Joseph Gillespie, Manor College Provost, said. “Manor College has boasted the leadership and commitment of Dr. Marks to her students and we are indeed proud of her for this richly deserved honor.”

For Marks, the honor is a chance to give veterinary technicians a stronger voice. 

“Veterinary technicians go through a rigorous process,” Marks said. “This gives support to that process. It’s important because animals do not get healthier if you do not have a veterinary technician. Veterinary technicians are nurses for animals; they are vital members of the veterinary health care team. These programs provide students the foundational knowledge they need to have successful and rewarding careers.”

Marks is a graduate of The State University of New York at Delhi with an associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology. She received her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed a small animal internship at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists. Throughout her career as a Veterinary Technician and Veterinarian, she has worked in both general and specialty hospitals. 

Marks came to Manor College in 2015 and has served as the Program Director of Veterinary Technology since 2019.

“When I worked in clinical practice, I really enjoyed supporting the technicians that were in school,” she said. “I really loved teaching people to be the best veterinary technicians they can possibly become.”

During her time at Manor, she spearheaded improvements to the campus’s veterinary technology facilities. She’s proud of recent curriculum changes that made the workload easier on students while also providing more hands-on experience with animals over the course of the entire program. 

“When you leave, we want you to be confident and comfortable being a critical part of a healthcare team,” Marks said. “It’s vital for students to make sure animals are improving, understand why or why not they might be getting better, and the steps they can take to help in that process.”

Marks will officially be inducted among the inaugural class of Fellows during a ceremony at the 2024 Annual Association of Veterinary Technician Educators Conference in Houston later this year.

Learn more at Manor College. Located in suburban Philadelphia, Manor College is a small college that offers big opportunities and a stellar education.