Crystal Smith, teaching professor in the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, attended the 15th annual National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics Conference last month in Delaware to personally receive the Senior Faculty Award.
The award acknowledges a senior faculty who demonstrates continued accomplishments that impact the equine industry in the areas of teaching, research and service for more than six years.
Smith was nominated by Katheryn Cerny, member of the NAEAA Board of Directors.
“This year’s NAEAA Senior Faculty Award winner has impacted the equine industry through a career in teaching, Extension and service,” Cerny said. “Her contributions include securing over $6.9 million in support of the equine studies program through infrastructure and innovative teaching tools, building a formal equine studies curriculum, and growing enrollment. Her impact on student success extends outside of WVU and is felt nationally and internationally.”
Smith teaches courses in introductory and advanced horse management, equine facility design and management, equine handling and riding theory. She also takes students on industry tours and study abroad trips.
She also advises both the WVU English and Western equestrian teams as well as the WVU Collegiate Horsemen’s Association, which hosts community and national events including the American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association national convention.
Smith has served two terms as the national adviser for the American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association and is considered instrumental in its growth. She also serves on the NAEAA board as the co-chair of the student involvement committee.
The Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design envisions a world sustainably fed, clothed and sheltered.
Learn more about the Davis College.
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