AUBURN, Ala. – Accustomed to winning SEC championships and national championships for skill in competition, Auburn equestrian earned recognition for collaboration Nov. 17 at Auburn University's 16th annual Faculty Awards ceremony.
Auburn equestrian shared the President's Outstanding Collaborative Units Award with Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine Equine Sports Program and the College of Agriculture Department of Animal Sciences.
"The synergy you get between units working together versus independently, when you pull those units together, the benefit is astronomical for Auburn and our students," Auburn equestrian coach Greg Williams said. "Our four-legged athletes, the horses, also get the benefit from it."
The collaboration has led to an unprecedented level of customized care and training opportunities that integrate faculty knowledge and expertise with practical application to develop an exemplary standard of care for Auburn's horses.
'A great partnership': College of Agriculture dean Dr. Paul Patterson (left)
In addition, the partnership showcases how academic and athletic programs can work together and create a model for other equine sports medicine programs by providing learning opportunities for Auburn's veterinary students, interns and residents.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for our students to get hands-on experience in equine sports medicine," said Dr. Calvin Johnson, dean of Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine. "A veterinarian in training needs to understand how to develop that relationship with the rider and with the horse and to make both turn out to be a productive engagement.
"We're very proud of the fact that our students graduate practice-ready. On day one, they're ready to step in and begin work. Those students particularly interested in equine medicine and surgery gain a leg up when they can work in a rotation that engages the Auburn equestrian horses. It's perfect for us."
"It's a great partnership," said Auburn University College of Agriculture dean Dr. Paul Patterson. "It's a win-win all the way around. Our students get practical experience working in the barns with a very successful athletic program. The key to this partnership has been the leadership provided by Greg Williams."
'Our students graduate practice-ready': College of Veterinary Medicine dean Dr. Calvin Johnson (left)
Combining resources, faculty expertise and facilities, the collaboration has resulted in a standard of care that facilitates Auburn equestrian's continued success.
"[Auburn University] President [Dr. Chris] Roberts is a big believer in collaboration. He sees that that's how we're going to get to the new levels we want to achieve," said Williams, who has led Auburn to six national championships and five Southeastern Conference championships. We're thrilled to be recognized for that. It's going to be a springboard for us."
"The partnership is second to none," said deputy athletics director Rich McGlynn, the longtime administrator for Auburn equestrian. "Everyone working together, it's a symbiotic relationship. We're really excited to continue this journey with them."
"An important aspect of Auburn's campus community is ensuring our faculty feel valued and recognized for their work," said interim provost Vini Nathan. "This year's honorees reflect the level of impactful teaching, research and outreach that so aptly defines our university and drives our mission."
"We've got the ultimate teaching program right here."
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) October 28, 2022
🗣@GregWilliamsAU @AuburnEQ, @AuburnVetMed & @AuburnAg receive the @AuburnU 2022 President's Outstanding Collaborative Units Award.
"It's huge for our students."#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/X82iBvS6DE
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer