Dr. Holly Spooner

Title:
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist – Equine

Department or College URL:
http://www.cafcs.wvu.edu

Biography:
Dr. Spooner joined the WVU faculty in 2008 as an assistant professor and Extension Specialist focusing on equine management.

She teaches in the Davis College, which offers a minor in equine management for students who want to learn more about horses or pursue careers within the equine industry.

Describe your proudest moment as a teacher.
There are far too many. I’m extremely proud every time I see my students push themselves outside their comfort zone. This may be succeeding on an exam that they were certain would be difficult or accepting an internship far from home.

I’m also extremely proud of the fact that every student that I have written a letter of recommendation for veterinary or graduate school for has been accepted. They’ve not been afraid to work hard and follow their dreams, and if I’ve played even the smallest role in that then I have truly succeeded as a teacher.

What advice would you give future students?
A wise person once said, “Don’t be afraid to shoot for the moon. If you don’t succeed you’ll land among the stars.”

Your college experience will provide you with numerous opportunities, many of which will be outside your comfort zone. Use these opportunities to expand your boundaries and grow both academically and personally. Be certain to get involved with campus clubs and organizations. These truly are your “other education” and the friends you’ll meet will be friends for life.

What have you learned from your students?
I think I could write a book on how much the students teach me. My classroom is just as educational for me as it is for them. They make me a better instructor, better listener, and overall a better person from having met and interacted with them. The students teach me about their culture and background as well as their goals and motivations which, in turn, affect what and how I instruct.