My Horse University founders Christine Skelly and Karen Waite were recognized for both exceptional innovation and collaboration at the Michigan State University Extension Fall Conference.
Christine Skelly and Karen Waite, both equine extension specialists in MSU’s Department of Animal Science, were presented with Michigan State University Extension’s (MSUE) 2011 Technology in Programs Award for innovative use of technology in the My Horse University online equine education program. This award recognizes an individual or team that has creatively incorporated technology into their educational programming and has documented positive responses from participants.
Since launching its first online horse management course in 2006, My Horse University has continued to incorporate innovative approaches to delivering valuable information to equine enthusiasts through online courses, live Webcasts, e-newsletters and social media.
“Their collective experiences in building a reputation for providing research-based information, developing engaging learning products, and creating an online community have created models for other programs to follow,” says MSUglobal Executive Director, Dr. Christine Geith.
As part of the MSUE Equine Team, Skelly and Waite also received the 2011 MSUE CoP (Community of Practice) Award for their collaborative efforts with eXtension HorseQuest. For more than five years, My Horse University and eXtension have successfully collaborated on a monthly electronic newsletter, national presentations, an online learning lesson for youth working with horses, sponsorships and grants, and an award-winning free monthly webcast series. The resources are created with the help of top equine experts from across the country and address topics such as horse health, farm management and environmental practices.
