**For Immediate Release**
Equine Science Center Dedication
-released by OPSU Campus Communications 03-10-2006
by Laura Dahl
Goodwell,
Okla. - Oklahoma Panhandle State University
celebrated the Equine Science Center dedication on Friday,
March 10. The windy March weather did little to deter over
100 people from attending the ceremony and staying to eat
the hamburgers provided courtesy of the OPSU Firestone
Meats Laboratory.
OPSU President Dave Bryant welcomed the guests inside
the newly-renovated building. He pointed out that it took
four deans to complete the 12-stall/outdoor run structure.
It was erected in 1999 under the direction of Dr. Kenneth
Woodward who was then serving as Dean of Agriculture. Dr.
Woodward worked closely with the Noble Foundation to help
with the funding. During 2003-2004, Dean of Agriculture
John Townsend directed the concrete work on the inside
and outside of the building. When Dr. Peter Camfield took
over as dean in 2005, he completed the inside stalls and
outdoor runs. In addition, Dr. Justin Collins, Dean of
Science, Mathematics and Nursing, provided support and
acts as an advisor to the Equine Science program.
Only in its second year, the program has attracted 25
students who have selected it as a major. The students
receive practical, hands-on experience in horsemanship,
horse training, and a number of other skills as well as
formal classroom education in equine reproduction, nutrition,
physiology and health.
Dr. Bryant also recognized Charlie Cline, of Ripley, Okla.
for donating ten head of registered American Quarterhorses.
The horses include two studs and will provide an excellent
base of stock to use for breeding.
According to Camfield, “I
think this facility will help us recruit top equine science
students. Also, it should increase participation in the
equestrian team and will continue to increase the student
population of the program."
-30-
|
