MSU hosts ribbon-cutting for updated Vet Tech Facilities
Morehead State University held a celebratory ribbon‑cutting ceremony unveiling the newly improved Veterinary Technology Facilities at the Derrickson Agricultural Complex and formally dedicating the Equine Health Building in honor of Professor Emeritus Dr. Phil Prater.
The event, held on Friday, Feb. 13, marked a significant step in MSU's ongoing campus revitalization plan and highlighted the achievements of the University's highly regarded veterinary technology program, which is ranked the best in Kentucky and 13th in the nation for its academic strength, career preparation, and record of graduate success.
In addition to its top state and national rankings, the program was recently named the 2025 Program of the Year by the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators, the leading advocate for veterinary technician education. This award recognizes the program for excellence in leadership, innovation, and hands‑on learning opportunities.
The improved facilities at the Derrickson Agricultural Complex include expanded laboratory and classroom spaces designed to enhance hands-on instruction and clinical training. These upgrades support the continued growth of the program, which has a reputation for producing highly sought‑after graduates in the veterinary field.
"One of the most exciting aspects of this renovation is the direct impact it will have on our students," said Dr. Amy Staton (Class of 2003, 2004, and 2013), associate professor of veterinary technology. "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 ceremony also honored the legacy of Professor Emeritus Dr. Phil Prater, whose decades of dedication to veterinary education and student mentorship have shaped MSU's program into one of the most respected in the region. The newly dedicated Equine Health Building now stands as a testament to Prater's impact on animal health education and the broader agricultural community. This naming represents both an honorary and a philanthropic gift made possible through the establishment of the Dr. Phil Prater Scholarship Endowment, which further supports future generations of veterinary technology students.
"Dr. Prater shaped my career more than he ever knew," said Staton, who is also a former student of Dr. Prater. "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."
Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members attended the event, celebrating both the program's national recognition and the University's investment in state‑of‑the‑art learning environments that prepare students for success in a competitive profession.
For more information about the Dr. Philip Prater Scholarship Endowment Fund, contact the MSU Foundation at 606-783-2033 or email giving@moreheadstate.edu.
To learn more about MSU's Derrickson Agricultural Complex and the veterinary sciences program, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/science.
Photos: Professor Emeritus Dr. Phil Prater (upper right) and Emma Hardy, a junior veterinary technology major from Campbell County (middle left) spoke to the crowd in attendance during the ribbon‑cutting ceremony for the newly improved Veterinary Technology Facilities at the Derrickson Agricultural Complex and the dedication of the Equine Health Building in honor of Dr. Prater. Hardy was joined by MSU President Dr. Jay Morgan (lower right) to unveil a plaque commemorating the renovated facilities.
