HU hires animal health & vet nursing advisor

Huntington University is pleased to announce the hiring of Aimee Graves, MS, RVT, as the animal health and veterinary nursing advisor for HU’s Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies.

“Growing up in a farming family, I have a deep appreciation of agriculture,” said Graves in reference to what drew her to HU. “My experience is that faith and farming go hand in hand, and my passion has always been animals. I realized that while I was treating the animals, I was also serving the people attached to the animals. That realization made the work even more rewarding and fulfilling. I am excited to help guide the next generation of veterinary nurses to care for animals and serve the people who love and depend on them.”

Graves pointed out that students will get the best of both worlds with HU’s partnership with Purdue University’s Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning (VNDL) program.

“They are getting a degree from one of the best veterinary nursing programs in the country while attending classes at a small Christian university. The dual-degree program in animal health and veterinary nursing is an amazing and forward-looking solution to the national shortage of veterinary professionals.”

Graves also pointed out that as animal health continues to become more scientific and complex, pet owners want medical care that mirrors what they receive themselves. Farmers want quality and efficient production from their livestock.

“The graduates of this program will have a great deal of knowledge relating to animal health as well as valuable hands-on veterinary nursing skills,” said Graves. “The future of veterinary medicine and animal health is full of opportunities and possibilities. Huntington is leading the way in meeting the needs of the future.”

A graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, Graves has an Associate of Applied Science degree in veterinary technology. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree in business management from Indiana Wesleyan University. Most recently, Graves worked as a registered veterinary technician at Indian Creek Veterinary Hospital, and she continues to work shifts at Southwest Veterinary Urgent Care, both in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

During her career, Graves has worked in small animal medicine, Northeast Indiana Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital, and Woodford Equine Clinic in Versailles, Kentucky. Her career also includes many years in veterinary pharmaceutical sales working for companies such as Procter & Gamble, Novartis Animal Health, and Royal Canin Veterinary Diets.

Graves will guide and mentor the next generation of veterinary professionals.

“There are so many diverse career paths that a graduate of this program will be able to explore. The future is bright with possibilities. I want to help the students find their mission and God’s plan to utilize their talents and gifts to serve where they are called.”