Vet tech radiology suite named in memory of alum’s son
A special ceremony was held Wednesday, Nov. 15, at Morehead State’s Derrickson Agricultural Complex (DAC) to honor the memory of the son of an alumna of the veterinary technology program.
The Austin Wyatt Cooper Veterinary Technology Radiology Suite was named after the son of Austin and Kelsey Choate Cooper (Class of 2016, 2017) of Richmond. The dedication was made possible through a generous in-kind equipment donation made by Dr. Harry James Martin. Martin, who employed Kelsey at his veterinary clinic for many years, donated radiology equipment to MSU’s veterinary technology program.
“As the owner and operator of a private veterinary practice, I am always looking for new technicians to hire,” said Martin. “Morehead State is producing some of the highest quality technicians available, and I’m honored that my donation enhances their hands-on learning opportunities.”
Martin’s request when making the donation was that it somehow honors the legacy of Kelsey’s late son.
A plaque was placed in the suite that reads, “The Austin Wyatt Cooper radiology Suite - In recognition of equipment donated by Dr. Harry James Martin, owner of Advanced Animal Care. Wyatt's mother, Kelsey Choate Cooper (Class of 2016, 2017) is a graduate of MSU's veterinary technology program and longtime employee of Advanced Animal Care.”
“Morehead State prepared me for my future career,” said Kelsey. “To now have my son’s memory honored at the place that gave me so much has turned a traumatic event in our lives into something beautiful.”
Students in the veterinary science and veterinary technology programs will use the suite to learn about veterinary radiology, gaining hands-on experience working with live animals in the complex’s small animal hospital.
"This equipment will not only allow us to educate veterinary technology students but many of the students within the agriculture department," said Dr. Amy Staton, associate professor of veterinary technology and coordinator of the veterinary technology program. "This generous donation will allow us to train our students on many different types of equipment, making the student more desirable and makes the transition into the workforce much smoother. The success of our students is directly corelated to the hands-on educational experience they receive at the MSU DAC."
The 350-acre Derrickson Agricultural Complex, also known as the University Farm, houses 48 students and is home to the Equine Health Education Center. The facility also includes Richardson Arena, which seats 2,000 for regional horse shows, as well as indoor and outdoor riding facilities. The farm also houses a small animal hospital complete with kennels, along with sheep, cattle and swine operations. The farm has a greenhouse and horticulture operations, which provide plants, fruits and vegetables for the campus community and the general public.
Learn more about agricultural sciences programs at MSU by emailing agsi@moreheadstate.edu or calling 606-783-2662.
Photo Caption: The radiology suite at the Derrickson Agricultural Complex was dedicated to the memory of the late Austin Wyatt Cooper, son of alum Kelsey Choate Cooper of Richmond. Pictured from left to right are: Retired Professor of Veterinary Science Dr. Philip Prater, Kelsey Choate Cooper, Dr. Harry James Martin, Dinah Martin and Associate Professor of Veterinary Technology Dr. Amy Staton.
