From his humble rural beginnings on a Delaware County dairy farm, Collins rose to the highest ranks of professionalism and respect in the world of veterinary medicine in the nation. A native of Sidney, he received his Associate Animal Science degree from State University of New York, Delhi in 1950 and received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in 1961. He had a lifelong relationship with both seats of learning also taught and later served as Professor Emeritus at Michigan State University.
Dr. Collins was a pioneer who led his colleagues on a path to full recognition for veterinary technology across the country. At SUNY Delhi he followed the lead of those who began the veterinary technology curricula and then championed the accreditation of the science throughout academia. One colleague, Daniel Walsh of Purdue University said "Walt Collins, for his contributions, vision, efforts, trials and successes, is truly the Father of Veterinary Technology in the Unites States."
Kevin Mahaney, Assistant Dean of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, said "Dr. Collins is widely recognized as a pioneer in the development of vet tech education and curriculum, and indeed the entire veterinary profession owes much to his foresight and pioneering work. Cornell is proud to count him among our alumni."
Dr. John S. Nader, Provost of SUNY Delhi says "Dr. Walter Collins is known to this day as the father of this highly regarded program (Veterinary Technology). In fact the growing prominence of licensed veterinary technicians in the field of animal medicine is due in large part to the work of Dr. Collins and his Delhi colleagues."
This humble man has had an affinity for animals of all sizes since his childhood. He is well-remembered by his university colleagues as a man who would "load up his students in the back of his pickup truck and take them out to experience rural veterinary practices in the hills and hollows of Central New York and the northern vestiges of Appalachia."
In June 2011, SUNY Delhi College celebrated the 50th anniversary of Veterinary Technology as a professional career during its Alumni Weekend. Former students and colleagues were among those who attended the ceremonies to recognize Dr. Collins for his vision and his continuous commitment to gain certification, licensing, and a national professional status for veterinary technology. They recognized his distinguished service on committees of AVMA relating to education and testing.