ate University junior poultry science and animal and dairy science major, was appointed as the National Treasurer of the American Pre-Veterinary Medicine Association after winning the popular vote at the 2014 annual symposium held at Iowa State University on March 21.
APVMA is a national organization of students across the United States. Its goal is to promote and stimulate interest in the field of veterinary medicine, provide open communication between pre-veterinary clubs and organizations nationally and provide resources to students pursuing the field of veterinary medicine.
A Wisconsin pre-veterinary student at the symposium nominated Jackson for the position. The student thought she saw potential in Jackson to become a great representative of APVMA.
Jackson, who represents MSU nationwide, said she was shocked when she was nominated.
“It is a huge honor to have another student from another college that you don’t personally know believe you are good fit for a position. I never thought I was actually going to win the election,” Jackson said. “After my speech, it was announced that I had won the popular vote and became the 2014-2015 APVMA National Treasurer.” 
Peter Ryan,  MSU associate provost for academic affairs, who also serves as an academic adviser to the MSU Pre-veterinary Club, said to be elected to the council is important because it brings not only distinction to the elected officer, but also to the College of Veterinary Medicine and MSU.
“Katelyn has been a member of the MSU Pre-veterinary Student Club for the past three years and has served as an officer, currently as the club president. I have gotten to know Katelyn in my capacity as a faculty adviser to the club. Katelyn is an extremely motivated individual, very organized and has all the credentials to be an exceptional leader,” Ryan said.  “I can see great things for Katelyn in leadership roles in the future, whether it be in her chosen profession, community or at the national level. I am always impressed when I see such qualities and poise in our students at such an early stage in their careers.” 
Jackson said it still has not sunk in that she now represents MSU nationwide. 
“I cannot express the feeling of honor and happiness that I feel about the election. I would not be able to do this without the support from MSU, my department and of course, my family. I am soon going to be traveling to many states planning the symposium for the year 2015,” she said. 
Jackson is the president of the MSU Pre-veterinary Club, which is an organization of over 100 students that strives to promote veterinary medicine around campus. David Peebles, MSU poultry science professor said Jackson worked as a volunteer student worker in his lab.
“In my laboratory, she has always been positive, cooperative, and encouraging. Her attitude and activities make her a positive role model for other students. I expect that she will provide excellent service in her position as National treasurer for the APVMA,” Peebles said.
“We hold two meetings a month and ask different veterinarians that have different specialties to come speak to our students and answer questions. We hold various community service events each year that benefit local humane societies. We try to be the liaison between prospective students and Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine,” Jackson said.