Kristen Wilson, MS

Professional Profile

Professional Experience

Academic Coordinator January 2013 – Present

University of Kentucky, Equine Science and Management Program Lexington, KY

-In cooperation with the Ag Alumni Office, maintains an ESMA graduate database. Maintains regular contact with graduates to keep them informed with on updates in the program and opportunities in the industry.

-Works with DUS and Director of Student Relations to meet with potential students during their on-campus visits. Participates as required in student recruitment activities such as FFA Convention, IFAL, Round-up and the like. Coordinates with the Director of Student Relations the recruitment of ESMA students to the Ag Ambassador program.

-Participates in appropriate industry events to promote the ESMA program.

-Responsible for tracking enrollment data including In-state and out-of state numbers, student success and retention, graduation statistics and other student demographics as needed. Works with the DUS and ESMA faculty to develop ongoing assessment information to evaluate how students are meeting the learning objectives of the program. In cooperation with the DUS, develops and conduct a senior exit survey.

-Responsible for advising incoming ESMA students, especially freshmen through participation in merit weekend and summer advising conferences. Serves as the primary initial advising contact at advising events throughout the academic year. Works with DUS to assign advisees to ESMA advisors after initial meeting. Currently advises 65 ESMA freshmen during bi-annual advising meetings and provides support for developing their four year plan.

-Serves as Equine Clubs and Teams liaison for the 8 equine related cubs and teams.

Consultant October 2012 – January 2013 (Part-Time)

University of Maryland Extension, AGsploration Program College Park, MD

-Assisted with curriculum development and editing, data collection and analysis, event registration and facilitation, educational kit assembly, program marketing and promotion, and providing leadership/management for the youth team.

Extension Horse Specialist December 2006 – August 2012

University of Maryland Extension Ellicott City, MD

-Provided leadership for the Maryland 4-H Horse Program consisting of approximately 1,500 youth and 350 adult volunteers. Coordinated all state 4-H horse educational activities and competitive events (at least one major state event/activity each month). Enrollment numbers of state activities and events increased an average of 35%.

-Directly supervised two student workers, four volunteer state team coaches, 115 adult volunteer leaders serving on event planning committees annually, and 75 Horsemanship Standards Examiners throughout the state of Maryland.

-Managed overall programming funds and budgets and has obtained $200,000 in competitive grant funds and solicited $157,000 through fundraising efforts, sponsorships, and in-kind donations.

-Developed and presented educational resources. Over 60 educational resources related to the equine and 4-H fields have been developed and presented at state, regional, and national levels.

-Coordinated numerous evaluation projects and created evaluation tools surveying clientele of their potential educational needs, perceptions, information gained/learned, and current demographic information. Data collected has been used to change and/or create new educational programming opportunities.

 -Maintained, updated, and created communication efforts with clientele through program website (www.4hhorse.umd.edu), volunteer email list-serv, quarterly electronic newsletter, and social media.

 -University Teaching Responsibilities: Pasture Management and Hay Production (2007-2010), Equine Business Management (2010), and Equine Health Management (2011). Student recruitment and advising. Developed recruitment materials.

-Awards Received: 2009 NAE4-HA Achievement in Service Award, 2012 UMD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Off Campus Junior Faculty Award, 2012 NACAA Excellence in 4-H Programming Award, and over 12 state, regional, and national communications awards.