VMCVM Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Walters
Jessica Walters '09, PhD '14, DVM '16
Program Manager, Office of Laboratory Services, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
How VMCVM equipped me for the 'real world'...
Being a director of a laboratory system was NOT on my BINGO card! My time spent juggling laboratory work and still being in the DVM curriculum during the dual degree program prepared me for the many conflicting priorities in my current role. I never dreamed that the time spent in the lab working with the Virginia Poultry Industry from the diagnostic standpoint would be so applicable for my career now.
Best part of being a VMCVM alum...
The network. So many of my colleagues and even laboratory clients were classmates of mine either during my undergraduate career at Virginia Tech or through veterinary school. Because my job is so focused on agricultural support, I get to work closely with so many of the food animal veterinarians that came out of VMCVM.
Best advice I've gotten....
It really is all about who you know. ... Networking and building relationships with colleagues, mentors, and other veterinarians has truly had the most significant impact on my career path. I do not know what I would do without the ability to pick up the phone and call someone because of the relationship I've built with them.
How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline...
Diagnostics -- saving the world one disease at a time.
My hidden talent...
Being a match maker. I have multiple marriages under my belt of people I've introduced. One guy I met on a missions trip and I even convinced to fly across the country and take my best friend on a date! They are now married with three kids (also a VMCVM alum).
A person who has inspired me...
My mom. She has made so many sacrifices to ensure I could follow my dreams. I was the first person in my family to go to college, but yet I watched her climb the corporate ladder and be a badass without even having a degree. She had to drive me to high school in a different city, then drove me to the barn and did barn chores while I rode, all so I could have the best.
What did you learn at the college that you never thought you would benefit from?
As I mentioned, I never dreamed that my laboratory work would end up being a career path. Between anatomy, virology, bacteriology, and pathology, I used to joke and say "Well now I know what I DON'T want to do with my career". I ended up using it all to apply in the diagnostic world.
Biggest misconception about my job or industry...
That if you work in a laboratory, you don't do well with people. The people I work with (whether that be employees, colleagues or clients) absolutely make my job worthwhile. I love building relationships and watching people grow in their careers.
Words of encouragement to a current veterinary college student...
Be open to career options. Coming out of vet school, I was absolutely set on being a poultry industry veterinarian. When I first got out of school, I got to use my poultry veterinary capacity in the lab and became boarded, but that eventually morphed into laboratory leadership and directorship. I never dreamed I would enjoy the management aspect and working with my employees so much. So, be open minded and willing to try new things!
Fondest college memory or tradition...
Shenanigans during beef block with my fellow food animal trackers.
The most formative experience I've had...
I love helping people. During my first year of veterinary school, I spent spring break with Christian Veterinary Mission (CVM) in Honduras working not only with animals, but with people. I went back again my third year and for three consecutive years after graduation. Eventually I started taking my husband so he could see how amazing of an experience it was, and we plan to take our daughter when she is old enough. I love volunteering and teaching people about ag whenever I get the chance.
Top of my bucket list...
Hiking in New Zealand.
My favorite quote...
My friends and employees have literally bought me T-shirts with this.
"It's fine, everything is fine."
Being a VMCVM alumnus means...
Pride. Many of my mentors are alums of VMCVM, and it is so incredible to say that I can now do my part to mentor students and help the agricultural community in my current role.
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
An embarrassing number... People (even my bosses) make fun of me for my menagerie....
5 dogs, 4 cats, 4 horses, a mini pony, a mini donkey, a potbelly pig, 2 goats, a pet Scottish Highlander steer, a tom turkey, 2 guineas, 10 chickens (I think), and a turtle that I have had since I was 10!
Anything else to add?
I am still incredibly passionate about being a poultry veterinarian and I love getting to teach as an adjunct at the college when I have the opportunity!
