“We are the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.” – Dr. Jane Goodall
Kristi Geckler Instructor of Veterinary Biomedical Technology
- Alum
- Faculty
Kristi Geckler has been with East Texas A&M University as a student, staff or working at the on-campus bookstore since the summer of 2012. As an animal science major who has worked in veterinary hospitals over the years, she has found many resources and valuable connections at ETAMU. Geckler enjoys a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, from reading books to riding horses and competing in multiple equine events.
She has worked with a multitude of different species of animals throughout her experience in the field of veterinary medicine—everything from a grumpy parrot with an unfortunate vocabulary list to working alongside a large cat refuge treating their tigers, lions, cougars and other cats.
A Conversation with Kristi
What would you say to a student considering East Texas A&M?
The university's small-town feel allows students to become more involved with their fellow students, professors and staff. Even though the campus may be smaller, the academics offered are still top tier and align with students' career goals. The accommodations and availability of activities the university offers to students are amazing. There is always something happening on campus during the week, during the day, evening and weekend that offers the opportunity for students, staff and faculty to get together and learn from each other and create relationships that offer opportunities beyond the university.
What inspired you to pursue your career, and what continues to excite you about your discipline?
I had the initial notion of attend veterinary school to be a DVM, but I have found my place being a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). It is exciting to be able to continuously grow my passion through continued education and working with others in the industry. It is equally exciting to see how far veterinary medicine has come since I started as a receptionist in a small practice in 2008.
Which course have you most enjoyed teaching, and what made it memorable?
This is my first semester teaching, so I'm still getting my feet wet (so to speak). So far, I am enjoying VETT 100: Intro to the Profession of Vet Med and VETT 451: Veterinary Disease Management. I look forward to teaching VETT 350: Large Animal Clinical Nursing Techniques in the Spring 2026 semester.
Can you share a challenge you've overcome—or are working to overcome—in pursuing a personal or professional goal?
After rerouting my vision and deciding to stay the course of a veterinary technician, I attended Cedar Valley College and completed their program in 2019, receiving my AAS in Veterinary Technology. Graduating from these programs gives you the opportunity to sit for the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination) which allows you to become licensed in your state (LVT). I took it right after graduating and failed, then life situations happened, and I never sat for my licensing exam again. Fast forward to 2025 (after not working in vet med since 2019), I saw the Instructor position for the Veterinary Biomedical Technology program here at ETAMU and decided to go for it. I had to buckle down and study VERY hard for three months straight, sat for my VTNE exam, and PASSED! Then took the State Board Exam to officially become licensed in the state of Texas as an LVT. It proved to me that this profession was truly meant to be, and that one way or another, I would end up right where I belong.
Do you attend campus sporting events or activities?
Yes, I try to attend almost all of the home sporting events. I have also attended multiple away games, depending on the location and day/time of the week. Go LIONS!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I always find time to enjoy a good book. I don’t have a favorite genre, but I’m open to reading almost anything; give me a suggestion! I also enjoy being outdoors, particularly horseback riding and competing in events, my favorite being cutting. The rest of my free time is spent hanging out with my niece and doing all the fun things with her I can do.
Education
- M.S., Agricultural Sciences, Texas A&M University-Commerce (now East Texas A&M University), 2018
- B.S., Animal Science, Texas A&M University-Commerce (now East Texas A&M University), 2016
- A.A.S., Veterinary Technology, Cedar Valley College, 2019
Certification
- Licensed Veterinary Technician, State of Texas, 2025
Experience
- Instructor, Veterinary Biomedical Technology, East Texas A&M University, 2025-Present
- Academic Advisor I, East Texas A&M University, 2024-2025