Passion and Purpose: Southern Utah University and Best Friends Animal Society Achieve Program Milestone

Southern Utah University (SUU) and Best Friends Animal Society have reached a significant milestone in their collaborative academic program, surpassing 1,500 learners and awarding over 770 professional certificates.

 

This achievement underscores the program's success in making contemporary animal services education more accessible and professionalized.

 

As the official academic partner to Best Friends Animal Society, SUU offers a range of opportunities tailored for individuals at various stages of their careers.

 

These include stackable microcredentials designed to meet learners where they are, such as the Introduction to the Field course for newcomers, and specialized courses like Cat and Dog Lifesaving for those already in the field.

 

For those pursuing long-term career growth, SUU provides educational pathways that translate real-world training into academic credit, applicable toward bachelor's or master's degree programs, including the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) with a graduate emphasis in Contemporary Animal Services Leadership (CASL).

 

Melinda Pfundstein, Executive Director of SUU’s Community & Workforce Development Department, emphasized the program's impact: "Crossing these learner milestones confirms that when clear pathways meet passion and purpose, people move.

 

SUU's partnership with Best Friends makes animal services accessible to everyone.

 

Our programs meet learners with flexible entry points, guidance, and momentum so that curiosity can be turned into action."

 

Participants have praised the program's effectiveness.

 

Mindy M. from Crestview, FL, a graduate of the Dog Lifesaving Fundamentals course, shared, "This was a great learning experience and has boosted my confidence in making changes within the organization and also tweaking current ideas/plans by implementing things I learned while taking this course."

 

Aimee Charlton, National Director of Learning Advancement at Best Friends Animal Society, highlighted the program's broader significance: "Whether you are an experienced practitioner or a student just starting out, the programs and courses within the SUU and Best Friends partnership provide the tools necessary to lead and innovate in the evolving landscape of animal services.

 

By offering accessible, high-quality education, both organizations are working together to empower individuals who want to contribute to saving the lives of pets in our nation and be a part of making history as we create professional standards for the field of animal services."

 

For more information about SUU’s Animal Services Professional Development Courses, interested individuals can visit the university's official website or contact the Community & Workforce Development Department directly.

 

The program continues to expand its reach and impact, reflecting the shared commitment of SUU and Best Friends Animal Society to advancing animal welfare education.