LEAD: Karin, while you were in class 10, your family was growing and you were also working on your PhD, which you have since completed. Please tell us a little more about what has been going on in your life (and/or career developments) since you finished LEAD.

Karin: After completing LEAD I was able to put into action a number of the LEAD professional development skills through my work at the college as well as with a number of professional organizations including: the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament as the educational program director, the New York Farm Bureau – and now chair of the Equine Committee of the NYFB, the American Farm Bureau Federation (invited participant at their national policy development meeting for past two years – equine committee), Governor’s appointee to the NY State Task Force on Retired Race Horses, and member of the speakers bureau for the Unwanted Horse Coalition. I also was elected chair of the faculty at Cazenovia College and served two consecutive terms in that role after LEAD. I celebrated my 20th year of service at Cazenovia College in 2009 and this past year was awarded by my colleagues the ‘Outstanding Faculty Achievement Award for 2010’. Last, I was elected to the Board of the Equine Science Society this year and this is a bit of a ‘landmark’ event as I am the first member of the board to come from a teaching college rather than a research university.

LEAD: You played a leadership role in the formation of the National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics (NAEAA). Please tell us a little more about that organization – what is its purpose?

Karin: I had come up with the idea of NAEAA during my dissertation work and LEAD gave me the extra motivation to put the idea to action. It really came together when I learned about the American Agriculturalist Foundation grant program to which I applied and received an initial grant for further exploration of the concept and development of an Advisory Board. Our first NAEAA members gathered in 2009 in Colorado for an inaugural conference and since that time our members have grown to include college and industry colleagues from across the US as well as England, Ireland, France, and Australia. NAEAA serves as a networking and support vehicle (we are 501c3) to bring together individuals and organizations interested in improving and expanding the undergraduate equine discipline. Our annual conferences are a combination of professional development, networking, and presentations regarding current research and topics in the discipline. We currently have approximately 150 members and our conferences have been held in Keystone Colorado, Cazenovia New York, Murfreesboro Tennessee, and this year we will meet in Bozeman Montana

LEAD: As we write this, you are in Canterbury, England. What brought you there?

Karin: Each year the College sends a faculty member to advise a group of Cazenovia College students that come to study a semester at Canterbury Christ Church University in Canterbury England. I had been asked for a few years if I would serve in this role but wanted to wait until my son Carter was old enough to come along. This year seemed like the right time and we are absolutely overwhelmed by the experience. It is also providing me with an opportunity to take a look at comparative approaches to equine welfare between the US and UK.

LEAD: We always have to ask our alumni this question: How did your LEAD experience prepare you for the leadership roles you are filling today? Any particular highlights or things that stand out?

Karin: I think LEAD helped reignite my passions and interests in finding ways to ‘do more’, ‘make a difference’ and to be a bit fearless about just doing things. It’s easy to get bogged down by logistics and have great ideas that go nowhere… but with a real understanding of the power of networking, collaboration, active listening, outreach, and get-it-done attitude there is a very real ability to make a difference in your own corner of the world. LEAD gave me a much more solid realization of the interconnectedness of agriculture and I left with a myriad of ideas about how to break through some of the barriers that can get in the way of forward progress.

LEAD: Our new class just had their first full session in October. What advice would you like to share with them?

Karin: Be open to all the experiences that are outside your professional area as well as outside your own comfort zone. Realize that LEAD is not just a program – it is a thriving organization with an amazing alumni network. The things you learn during your leadership training can truly shape the way you think about your personal and professional goals in the future. Take it all in – and enjoy the ride!