South Dakota State University’s animal science program became the first to become accredited in the nation in July, during the annual American Society of Animal Science meeting in Hollywood, Florida.
Rosie Nold and John Jaeger both described the accreditation as recognition by the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), saying SDSU’s animal science program meets all seven standards set by the ASAS exceptionally well.
“We know we have a high-quality program in animal science, but the accreditation signifies an independent third party has done a review and reaffirmed the confidence in the quality and the success of program,” Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Joseph Cassady said.
Former assistant department head, Rosie Nold led the committee and documentation efforts. Nold said Cassady’s involvement with the national level of the ASAS and his combined leadership with the department made it easy to start the accreditation process.
Nold said with the university’s strategic plan to accredit any program possible, the timeline was justified even more.
The ASAS examines each school’s program based on seven standards: program mission and objectives, program governance and administration/institutional support, students, program learning outcomes and curriculum, faculty, facilities, equipment and technology, outreach and engagement with industry and public institution.
“The standard that needed the most refining was our student learning outcomes or the program learning outcomes,” John Jaeger, The Calvin and Mary Heyenga Endowed Department Head of Animal Science said. “The curriculum didn’t change; it was just making sure that the curriculum was addressing the learning outcomes to ensure they were being met.”
Throughout the 15-month process, the accreditation committee recommended the animal science department create an external advisory committee.
This committee is filled with professionals that according to Jaeger, “represent all our disciplines and all our species.”
This committee will primarily give feedback on the curriculum to make sure everything is up to date to give students the best learning opportunities possible.
“This was really the only recommendation they had for the department,” Cassady said. “We value the feedback from alumni and stakeholders.”
Not only does SDSU appreciate the feedback received from supporters, but they pride themselves on being able to offer direct learning opportunities to their students.
“We are very fortunate our livestock units are so conveniently located close to campus,” Cassady said.
These units give students access to hands-on opportunities that some universities cannot give their students.
“Two of the four livestock units are state of the art and are recognized not only nationally but internationally as well,” Jaeger said.
Students have been impacted by the quality education that the animal science department provides. Senior animal science major Abigail Morse believes the department’s accreditation will strengthen and expand opportunities for students like herself by reinforcing the credibility and quality of the program.
“The experiences I have gained from my involvements in undergraduate research, clubs and other activities within the department have been invaluable in preparing me for my future. I appreciate the access and support for students to pursue hands-on undergraduate research,” Morse said.
Cassady shared in relation to future students, “South Dakota State is a better buy.” Meaning they can provide a high-quality education, historically at a lower price point. Cassady believes that this accreditation reaffirms that students who choose SDSU will be taking advantage of the lower price point but are not sacrificing anything in terms of education quality.
“Our animal science majors will have the confidence when preparing for the future because they were provided with specific learning outcomes to better prep them for employment in the field of agriculture,” Jaeger said.
