The inaugural meeting of the National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics (NAEAA) was held May 28–29. The meeting was held before the Equine Science Society (ESS) Symposium at the Keystone Conference Center in Keystone, Colorado. The first day centered on the topics of defining the equine discipline, costs and benefits of intensive learning experiences, internship programs, and senior capstone experiences. The presentations and panel discussions associated with these topics were led by faculty and instructors from equine and animal science programs around the country. The day wrapped up with a poster session followed by a discussion panel consisting of industry representatives, including ARPAS president Marit Arana. 

A membership meeting was held the final morning of the conference, led by Karin Bump, director and founder of NAEAA. There was a favorable response to the previous day’s topics, which encouraged considerable sharing of ideas and networking among participants. Members were encouraged to submit information to the NAEAA database regarding the size and scope of their institution’s equine program. The organization is considering an annual meeting, possibly held in conjunction with ESS or other organization meetings or as a stand-alone conference. In the meantime, the board of directors will continue to meet regularly as this new organization takes root.

The mission of the National Association of Equine Academics is to encourage increased cooperation and information sharing at a national level between colleges and universities with equine programs. Approximately 185 institutions have some type of undergraduate curricular offerings related to the equine discipline. For more information on this organization, visit their Web site at www.naeaa.com. 

Betsy Wagner, PhD, PAS