Student Ambassador Program

The National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics (NAEAA) has introduced a unique professional and service opportunity for graduate students in higher education equine programs who are interested in careers in teaching, outreach and leadership.

Objectives

The NAEAA Student Ambassador Program is designed to advance graduate student skills in teaching, outreach and organizational leadership. Ambassadors will work alongside the NAEAA Board during a one-year term to promote the organization’s mission including planning, marketing and producing educational events including the annual conference and taking part in NAEAA sponsored research. Ambassadors will take the lead on developing student-focused activities (e.g., the graduate student mixer at the annual conference every other year). Networking opportunities with equine faculty, industry leaders and peers will be a key feature.

Qualifications and Expectations

Applicants should be Masters or Doctoral level students with a minimum 3.0 GPA interested in careers in academia, extension and organizational leadership, for example, within the equine industry or equine sciences. Student Ambassadors must attend at least 50% of the monthly board meetings, attend 100% of the student involvement committee meetings, and be actively working to meet all Student Ambassador Program objectives. Ambassadors will serve a one year term with the option to renew for a second term. NAEAA Student Ambassadors that successfully complete the program will attend the annual conference on a fee waiver and be recognized during the conference awards ceremony.

Selection Process

Complete your application by May 1st by uploading the following:

a 1-2 page double spaced essay describing how serving as a NAEAA Student Ambassador will advance your skills to meet your career goals, what specific skills you hope to develop in this role, and what skills you possess that will help you be a successful NAEAA Ambassador;
a curriculum vitae;
a one page letter of recommendation.

Applicants will be notified if they are selected for a second-round interview. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom in mid-May, and successful candidates will be notified shortly afterwards.

Questions?

For additional information, please contact the NAEAA Student Involvement Committee.

Submit application

Call for Board nominations: Text

Renee Harbowy, Michigan State University
Renee received both her B.S. and M.S. in animal science from Michigan State University. She is a current Spartan Ph.D. student researching the effects of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical interventions on lameness and joint health. Before graduate school, Renee worked at a summer camp where she was a Certified Horsemanship Association certified riding instructor and program director. Her passion for teaching transitioned from the arena to the college classroom where she serves as a teaching assistant for equine courses and mentors students conducting undergraduate research projects. Renee is working to build a career in academia combining her passion for teaching and research. She will be starting her second term as a NAEAA student ambassador and is excited to continue contributing to an organization dedicated to equine education.

Lyndsey Hoskinson, West Virginia University
Lyndsey Hoskinson earned a dual B.S. in Animal and Nutritional Science and Agribusiness Management and Applied Economics with a minor in Equine Studies through West Virginia University in May 2026. She is pursuing a Masters degree in Agriculture & Natural Resources with an equine education and management emphasis at her alma mater. Lyndsey works at Reflecting Heaven Stables as an assistant trainer and is passionate about creating a safe and empowering learning environment for students both in the arena and the classroom. She is excited to continue building her career as an instructor through Reflecting Heaven Stables while also gaining experience teaching in a classroom setting. As she begins her first term as a NAEAA student ambassador, she aims to bring valuable contributions to the organization with like-minded goals about equine education.