Inspirational speech from BVNA's new president
(from left) Outgoing president Fiona Andrew, new president Sam Morgan and past president Kirstie Sherman.
"Honoured is the first word I would use to describe this moment," said BVNA's new president, Sam Morgan, as she made her opening speech at congress this morning.
"That is quickly followed by some apprehension. Apprehension as I am treading in the footsteps of some amazing past presidents."
Seventeen years ago, when she attended her first BVNA Congress, she knew she wanted to be president.
Addressing members at today's AGM, she said: "I wanted to be, hopefully, an inspiration to others. I wanted to voice what I believed in and to play a small part in the future of the organisation and the veterinary nursing profession."
Sam's presidential theme is 'engagement' and, throughout her speech, she stressed the importance of BVNA's members: "We gain strength from our members. The more members we have, the louder our voice".
Over the next year, she hopes to encourage members to reach out to their organisation.
"I would like nothing more than for RVNs, students and support staff to know that BVNA is here to represent you," she said.
"To not be afraid to make your thoughts and feelings for the future of the profession heard. To know that what you have to say is important, even if you don't believe it is."
She urged members to speak to the BVNA, to get involved in consultations relating to the profession and to vote in BVNA Council and VN Council elections.
She closed her speech by making a number of presidential promises:
- To serve BVNA members to the best of her ability
- To speak up, as a voice of the veterinary nursing profession
- To listen and be a voice for others' views, not just her own
- To be a good team leader
- To develop the BVNA
- To try to inspire just one person to face a challenge and seek their reward
During her time with the BVNA so far, she said she has learnt: "the definition of success is to live your life with integrity, to not give in to peer pressure, to live with honesty and compassion and to contribute in many ways, no matter how big or small."
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
