The MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is proud to announce that Niesa Kettler, supervisor for the Bacteriology/Mycology laboratory, is one of five recipients of the 2018 Outstanding Supervisor Award. This University-wide award has been given each year since 2001 and recognizes supervisors for their consistent support of the work-life needs of their employees.

Kettler supervises 10 employees at the VDL. The nomination packet that employees submitted to the MSU Work Life Office included heart-felt and sincere appreciation. "Niesa is always welcoming, caring, accommodating,” wrote one nominator. “She fully understands the needs of her employees, both on the job and outside of work."

Another wrote about the environment of trust and positive reinforcement that Kettler has created for her team. "Niesa encourages an atmosphere that allows for the flourishing of each of the technicians in the laboratory. This is accomplished through her careful balance between trusting her employees' competence and also being present or inserting herself kindly at appropriate times."

Kettler began working at the VDL as an MSU student in 2002 and became a full-time employee in the Bacteriology Laboratory in 2004 after earning her Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology and molecular genetics. In 2008, Kettler was certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology in Microbiology. She was promoted to supervisor in 2016.

The VDL, a service unit of the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, is a premier, full-service, fully-accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory for all species. On average, the lab performs one million tests per year on approximately 180,000 cases for more than 300,000 animals; the Bacteriology Laboratory performs approximately 100,000 tests annually. The Laboratory’s focus on core diagnostics, innovative solutions, and expert service has earned them clients in all 50 states, US territories, and more than 20 foreign countries. The laboratory serves approximately 7,000 clients per year.

More information about this year’s Outstanding Supervisor Award is available from the MSU Work Life Office.