Studying equine science can be an intimidating experience for students who are new to working with horses. However, the safe, supportive and experiential learning environment that Animal and Veterinary Sciences (ASCI) Lecturer Chrissy Rohan creates for her students has made them deeply appreciative to have her as an instructor.
Rohan is a passionate, dedicated and accomplished teacher who is selflessly devoted to her students. Her teaching qualities have been recognized as a recipient of the 2022 Carrigan Award for Excellence in Teaching and Undergraduate Education. The award, given annually by the ̽̽ College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, recognizes faculty who go above and beyond in undergraduate teaching and is the most prestigious faculty teaching award in the College.
Steve Wadsworth, DVM, an ASCI lecturer and faculty advisor for the ̽̽ CREAM program, works with Rohan at the ̽̽ Miller Research Complex where Rohan manages equine programs and helped nominate her for the award. He stated that, "she has developed innovative teaching strategies emphasizing intellectual rigor in experiential learning while enhancing the personal development of her students. She cultivates a vibrant environment of mutual respect, personal responsibility and inclusivity while embracing the diversity of all participants. Chrissy is beloved and respected by her students and colleagues for her steady leadership and exceptional horsemanship abilities."
Rohan's own teaching philosophy has developed over 30 years, which began as a child working with horses on her family's farm, and then teaching riding lessons. She graduated from ̽̽ with a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education, and a master's degree in the consulting teacher program. During graduate school, Rohan received an outstanding teacher award, and after graduation she worked as a special educator for 12 years.
Her passions for teaching and horses have given her insights into the importance of experiential learning about equine management and training. and Rohan has said that "students need the opportunity to practice the skills with a live animal in a safe environment. Students understand things intellectually, but when faced with having to practice a new skill with the live animal, it can be challenging. In addition, the horse itself, is a variable. Horses are not the same day after day. Every horse brings its own unique attributes to a situation as well. To develop horsemanship skills, students need to be handling horses."
Year after year, Rohan's students talk glowingly about her teaching and advising. “Dr. Rohan has opened my eyes to other possible careers in the animal world,” wrote animal science major Paige Lizzi ‘22. “She is always approachable and understanding."
When not teaching, Rohan has initiated new programs for students including an occupational fair at the Miller Research Complex. The fair connected high school and college students with animal-related businesses offering internships. Working with Wadsworth, she is developing a farm business management course to fill a gap in the CALS course offerings. Rohan is also very involved in ̽̽'s Horse Barn Co-op where students manage the day-to-day responsibilities and care for the horses, while gaining skills in equine management, teamwork and leadership.
The equine community in Vermont is fortunate to have Rohan as a member and has recognized her passion and commitment to keep the state's equine industry strong and thriving. The Vermont Horse Council honored Rohan's volunteer efforts in 2022 as Horse Person of the Year. For all of her achievements, Rohan said she feels gratitude every day for the new things she learns from her students, colleagues, and the horses.
The Carrigan Award recognizes outstanding effort and achievement in undergraduate teaching, student advising, and undergraduate education in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The recipient of this annual award has his/her name engraved on a commemorative plaque, receives a personal cash award of $2,000, as well as an additional $500 to support continued improvement and innovation in his/her teaching. View past recipients of the award.