Morehead State University opens improved Veterinary Technology Facilities

On February 13, Morehead State University held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its newly renovated and improved Veterinary Technology Facilities, which are housed within the Derrickson Agricultural Complex. The event also celebrated the dedication of the Equine Health Building in honor of Professor Emeritus Dr. Phil Prater. The event highlighted the success of and high regard the community has for the university’s veterinary technology program, which was recently named the 2025 Program of the Year by the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators.

According to an article on Morehead State University’s website, Dr. Amy Staton was quoted as saying at the ribbon cutting ceremony, "One of the most exciting aspects of this renovation is the direct impact it will have on our students. These upgraded spaces give us the tools to offer richer hands‑on experiences and more advanced clinical training. It not only enhances the education we can provide today, but it positions our program to continue growing and expanding opportunities for future students."

The renovations of the Veterinary Technology Facilities include expanded laboratories and classrooms, providing faculty and students with more space to engage in hands-on learning experiences and clinical training. The university’s nationally recognized veterinary technology program produces graduates that are highly sought after in the region, and the renovations will ensure the university can continue to educate students in a manner that gives students the foundational education the region’s veterinary clinics are used to.

In addition to the unveiling of the renovated Veterinary Technology Facilities, the event also celebrated the dedication of the Equine Health Building in honor of Professor Emeritus Dr. Phil Prater. Prater has had an immense impact on the university’s veterinary programs, having provided instruction and mentorship for veterinary students for several decades. 

Staton said, "Dr. Prater shaped my career more than he ever knew. His dedication, compassion, and high expectations didn't just prepare us for the profession; they inspired us to love the work. Knowing that a building and a scholarship now carry his name feels incredibly fitting for someone who gave so much to all of us."

An endowed scholarship was set up in Prater’s name to support future veterinary students. According to a webpage for the scholarship opportunity, in order to be eligible for the scholarship, students must be from the state of Kentucky, be a full-time senior student, be a Pre-Veterinary Sciences major, and have a grade point average of at least 3.5.

For more information about Morehead State University, visit the school’s website.