Blinn Veterinary Technology Program Director named Licensed Veterinary Technician of the Year

Jessica Garza recognized by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association for her dedication to student success and leadership in advancing veterinary education

March 19, 2026

Blinn College District Veterinary Technology Program Director Jessica Garza has been named the Licensed Veterinary Technician of the Year by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), recognizing her outstanding contributions as an educator, clinician, and leader.

“It is an honor to be recognized by my peers for the time, passion, and advocacy I dedicate to my patients, students, colleagues, and the veterinary profession as a whole,” Garza said. “This award reinforces my commitment to supporting and elevating the field while inspiring others to do the same.”

The TVMA award honors exceptional professional performance among Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) across Texas. One of Garza’s nominations came from former student and colleague Morgan Odom.

“I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award,” Odom said. “She has high standards, and aims to shape capable, confident, and compassionate future technicians. There are few that have influenced the profession at a multitude of levels – from the clinic, to teaching, to the state level.”

Garza has been a LVT since 2014, beginning her career with a small animal practice in College Station. In this role, she worked closely with a variety of Blinn Veterinary Technology Program students during their clinical rotations. She joined Blinn as a full-time instructor in 2020 and was named program director in 2023.

Garza earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Veterinary Technology from the Vet Tech Institute of Houston in 2013 and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from Penn Foster College in 2025.

“It is incredibly rewarding to help shape Blinn students into LVTs who reflect a passion and a strong advocacy for their patients and the profession,” Garza said. “I especially enjoy watching them develop their abilities over time and watching them build their confidence.”

Blinn’s two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Veterinary Technology is one of just 10 accredited programs in Texas preparing students to become fully credentialed LVTs. Graduates obtain their licensure after passing the National Veterinary Technician Examination (VTNE) and the Licensed Veterinary Technician Exam (LVTE).

In addition, Blinn is the only community college in the state that has an agreement for students to complete laboratories and clinicals at Texas A&M University’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, providing hands-on training in every aspect of the wide-ranging field.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared for careers in animal shelters, educational institutions, government agencies, laboratory facilities, research, veterinary clinics, and zoological facilities, to name a few. Due to Blinn’s reputation for excellence and a state-wide shortage of LVTs, many students secure employment prior to graduation and many choose from multiple opportunities.

For more information about Blinn’s Veterinary Technology Program, visit www.blinn.edu/veterinary-technology. Applications for the fall 2026 cohort are being accepted through April 15.