Southern Utah University’s partnership with Best Friends Animal Society was recognized on Fast Company’s list of Best Places to Work for Innovators.
Fast Company is a global business media brand that focuses on technological innovation, leadership, breakthrough ideas, creativity and design. Over 150 companies are recognized for demonstrating commitment to embrace new projects and ideas.
The collaboration between Best Friends and Southern Utah University dates back to 2019, and covers the principles of rescue animal services through an online learning curriculum. Ranked 26th on the list, the project is the first professional education program with this type of training.
This partnership created a Bachelor of General Studies in Animal Services, along with a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies with an Emphasis in Contemporary Animal Services Leadership.
Eight professional training courses also provide alternative qualifications such as SUU certificates, digital badges and continuing education units. Some of the courses available are Introduction to Animal Services, Dog Lifesaving Fundamentals and Running a Lifesaving Animal Sanctuary. These classes allow students to learn from experts, make connections and gain the knowledge they need to pursue a career in this field. 
Spencer Conover, the Assistant Director at Pasco County Animal Services, gained a master of Interdisciplinary Studies at SUU.
“Best Friends Animal Society and Southern Utah University’s guidance has shown me structure, passion and dedication,” said Conover. “It also showed me my true potential in helping people and pets in my community.”
In the program’s 2024 study, the project collected learners from 49 states, and awarded 1,145 institutional certificates.
For more information about the partnership between SUU and Best Friends Animal Society, and the organization’s activities, students can visit Best Friends’ Website.
Author: Fanny Felixine
Photos courtesy of SUU
Editor: Anna Mower
news@suunews.net
