KENNEBUNK — The Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk announced Monday it has approved the appointment of York County Community College President Dr. Barbara Finkelstein to its board of directors.
 
Finkelstein has been held her post at the Wells community college since August 2014, and has a 39-year career in higher education.
 
Representatives from the AWS, a nonprofit organization with a no-kill shelter serving York County, said Monday that Finkelstein’s efforts to grow the college’s veterinary programs have stood out as leading in training the next generation of veterinarians.
 
Under her tenure, YCCC’s veterinary technology associate degree program has grown in size and received accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
 
Now, students in the program can complete a practicum at AWS’ in-house clinic, where representatives say they gain valuable hands-on experience with the shelter’s on-staff veterinarians.
 
The program is one of only two in the state — and the only one in southern Maine — with the other program offered at the University of Maine Augusta.
 
Finkelstein said the partnership has been “wonderful,” and hopes to see it expand with her future involvement with the AWS.
 
“The folks at the AWS have been extremely supportive for our students,” she said Thursday, adding she’s hopeful to add more internship opportunities in the future.
 
She also said YCCC is on the road to developing a veterinary assisting program, a step-down from the vet-tech program currently offered.
 
“It’s a good program for some students who don’t have quite the science background,” she said. “It’s an alternative for students who don’t want to go into the vet-tech program.”
 
Finkelstein, an animal lover, said she’s excited to be appointed to the board of an agency with a legacy of making a difference for the “voiceless.”
 
Finkelstein said Thursday that, although she’s yet to attend a board meeting, she wants to continue the AWS’ work.
 
“I’m just hoping to follow in the footsteps of the other board members and be an advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves,” she said.
 
AWS Executive Director Abigail Smith said she’s thrilled to have Finkelstein — who also serves as a member of the Wells Rotary Club and on the board of directors for the Kennebunk–Kennebunkport–Arundel Chamber of Commerce — join the team.
 
“We feel very fortunate to have Barbara join our organization,” Smith said. “Her experience in organizational development and in program growth will offer a valuable perspective to the board as AWS continues to evolve.”
 
Finkelstein and her husband reside in Wells with their two adopted dogs, Harry and Dixie.
 
— Staff Writer Alan Bennett can be contacted at 282-1535 ext. 329 or abennett@journaltribune.com.