Faculty Biography
Dr. Jim Hurrell
Director Emeritus, Veterinary Academy
B.S., Michigan State University
D.V.M., College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University
Director, Penn Foster Veterinary Academy
Member of Association of Veterinary Technician Educators
Dr. Jim Hurrell is Penn Foster’s Veterinary Technician Program Director. Before arriving at Penn Foster, Dr. Hurrell started the Veterinary Technology Program at Delgado Community College in Louisiana, and was also program director at Macomb Community College in Michigan. He currently lives in Texas with his wife Shirrel.
What are some of your interests?
I enjoy sports, especially watching college basketball and football. I have successfully finished nine marathons, a few years and a few pounds ago! I have also run in a 4-day, 100 mile run and a 24-hour relay marathon, both to raise money for cancer research. One of my favorite hobbies is reading. I very much enjoy biographies, personal development books, and books on science (especially on biology and the environment).
What do you think about being Penn Foster’s Veterinary Technician Program Director?
I am so very excited to be the Veterinary Technician Program Director here at Penn Foster! The Program is fully accredited with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which means our graduates can sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) after graduation. There are so many excellent things in place that make this an awesome program. The academics in the online courses, with great study guides and textbooks, are the best I have seen nationally.
What is something your students wouldn’t otherwise know about you?
Shirrel and I have a pet Yorkshire terrier named Bella.
What would you like to tell your students to motivate them?
I am PROUD of each and every one of you who have entered this program. Keep your focus on your career dreams! And know that we at Penn Foster want you to WIN! Chase your dreams, Gang!