AFNRE major personalizes her MSU studies to pursue an equine career

Meghan Randolph made the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education major her own by pursuing coursework in equine studies at MSU.

Meghan Randolph riding a horse

Meghan’s passion and ultimate aspiration is to help people work with horses. She has spent her time at MSU preparing herself to teach in horse facilities.

In summer 2019, Meghan had an internship with the Mackinac Equestrian Center on Mackinac Island. As an intern, she was promoted to barn manager for the majority of the summer. With this added responsibility, she managed the horses, staff, and administrated the programs provided at the center.

Meghan also spent time teaching lessons, arranging kid’s camps, and helping tourists vacationing on the island with their own horses. Her classes and experiences in the AFNRE major equipped her with the skills she needed for this incredible opportunity.

In spring 2020, Meghan received an academic award from the Department of Community Sustainability to honor her achievements as an undergraduate in the department. She has maintained above a 3.8 cumulative GPA since her first year at MSU.

Read below to learn more about Meghan’s experience as an Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education major!

Hometown:

Ravenna, MI

Major:

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education

Minor:

Environmental Studies and Sustainability, with special coursework in equine studies

Expected graduation date: 

December 2020

Why did you choose the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education major?

I chose my major because it offers a non-formal education degree. With the ability to align the education portion of my major to the coursework I have taken in equine studies, I will be prepared to teach in a horse facility. My major allows me to follow my passions to meet my career goals.

What do you want others to know about this major?

This is the type of major that allows you to follow your own path. Whether you dream of working in a high school, in a poultry facility, with dairy or beef cattle, or even with horses, this major allows you to meet your goals by giving you the tools to be successful when working with people in your chosen industry.

What are your future plans?

I plan to spend my final college semester studying abroad in Northern Ireland in the equine program at the Enniskillen campus. After graduation, I will build my own lesson program and own my own riding center.

What’s your favorite thing about MSU?

My favorite thing about MSU is the opportunities that you can find if you have the courage to find them. The clubs and extracurriculars offered at MSU can expand on your coursework, give you the chance to network with people who share your passion, and have fun! I will always be thankful for having the courage to try-out for the MSU Stock Seat Equestrian Team my freshman year because of all the things I learned and had a chance to experience during my years riding for the team.

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