NDSU Animal Sciences Newsletter

What was your field of study at NDSU?
I was a double major in animal science and equine science.

When did you attend?
I attended NDSU from 2020 to 2024.

What are you doing nowadays?
I moved back home to Tampa, Fla., where I work for FarmVet as an accounts receivable specialist in their accounting department. I moved into this position after working as a mobile sales associate for FarmVet in Lexington, Ky., and Wellington, Fla. I have continued to work with horses and stepped back into the show ring.

What is one of your favorite classroom/campus memories?
My favorite memory was being part of the NDSU IHSA Hunt Seat team. It was fun to travel to horse shows and compete against other schools in the region. One of my favorite trips was going to a zone competition in Illinois my senior year. It was a wonderful trip with my teammates and coach Mattia Gunkelman. We laughed all day and never stopped smiling. It was truly a wonderful way to finish out my time at NDSU. Seeing all my hard work over four years pay off and being surrounded by my second family was the best way to end my IHSA career!

What did you learn at NDSU that has helped you the most in your career/life?
Attending NDSU allowed me to explore multiple directions for a career path. I was supported by my adviser Tara Swanson and all my professors in the Animal Sciences Department. While I didn’t know exactly what my career would look like after graduating, I had guidance every step of the way. There is not just one job in the animal science industry – there are endless opportunities, and I learned to think outside the box, find where my passion lies. Being encouraged to explore led me to my current career.

If you would like to be featured in an upcoming Alumni Spotlight or know someone you’d like to nominate, please contact Darla White below with the information.