Collin College celebrated longtime supporter and veterinary trailblazer Dr. Lorraine Chalkley on Sept. 21 with the naming of two Veterinary Technology spaces at the Wylie Campus in recognition of her generosity, leadership, and continued commitment to the program.
The newly named Dr. Lorraine Chalkley Veterinary Technology Lab, Dr. Lorraine Chalkley Veterinary Technology Surgical Suite, and Clinical Skills Lab recognize Dr. Chalkley’s longstanding support of Veterinary Technology students and the program’s mission.
Collin College District President Dr. Neil Matkin, members of the Collin College Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and guests joined the celebration. Speakers included Dr. Matkin, Dr. Kyle Bellue, and Dr. Catherine Pfent.
“Dr. Chalkley’s longstanding commitment to Collin College and our Veterinary Technology program is making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students,” Dr. Matkin said. “From supporting the program in its earliest days to investing in the students who will carry the profession forward, her generosity reflects an extraordinary commitment to education and service. We are incredibly grateful for her partnership and proud that these spaces will bear her name for generations to come.”
Dr. Chalkley has supported Collin College’s Veterinary Technology program since its early years, providing laboratory space at her clinic during the program’s first year. The college previously named the Dr. Chalkley Veterinary Technology Radiology Classroom in her honor, and she established an endowed scholarship for second-year Veterinary Technology students.
“Veterinary medicine has brought me a lifetime of enjoyment and fulfillment, and it means so much to me to help students discover that same sense of purpose in their own careers,” Dr. Chalkley said. “I have always believed that your work should be something you genuinely enjoy and find satisfying. I am honored to support Collin College’s Veterinary Technology program and the students who are preparing to dedicate their careers to caring for animals and serving their communities.”
Dr. Chalkley was the first woman to practice veterinary medicine and own a veterinary clinic in Collin County. In 1980, she founded Southfork Animal Clinic in Murphy and later served as a charter member of the Murphy Animal Shelter Advisory Board. For 20 years, she also held rabies clinics benefiting the Murphy Volunteer Fire Department, raising more than $20,000.
Before becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Chalkley earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech and worked for Texas Instruments for five years. Her service has also included Christian Veterinary Mission trips to Ecuador and other efforts to provide veterinary care and resources to communities in need.
Dr. Chalkley’s generosity has inspired others to support the program, including her sister, Patricia “Pat” Wilson Novotny, who established an endowed scholarship to provide ongoing financial assistance for Collin College Veterinary Technology students.
By naming these spaces, Collin College celebrates Dr. Chalkley’s lasting impact and commitment to supporting the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Collin College serves more than 62,000 credit and continuing education students annually and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity, a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Construction Management, a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Clinical Operations Management, and a new Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Software Development. The only public college based in Collin County, Collin College is a partner to business, government, and industry, providing customized training and workforce development. For more information, visit www.collin.edu.