20 July 2009

2 minute read

North America

The certificate program was developed by K-State's College of Business Administration through a partnership with K-State's Beef Cattle Institute and Division of Continuing Education.

"The collaborative efforts involved in developing this program will provide education to help employees of the animal health industry become more effective, which is of great value to businesses in Kansas, the Midwest region and the world," said Yar Ebadi, dean of K-State's College of Business Administration.

The program highlights K-State's strengths in agriculture, business, continuing education and distance learning, meeting the special needs of industries in the growing Animal Health Corridor between Manhattan, Kan., and Columbia, Mo.

According to Dr. Daniel Richardson, a veterinarian and chief executive officer of the K-State Olathe Innovation Campus Inc., more than 50 related firms are situated in the Animal Health Corridor, and increases in that number are expected with the addition of the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility in Manhattan.

"The program will provide the Animal Health Corridor and allied industries with a timely, relevant and practical means to meet the demands and managerial challenges specific to the animal health industry," Richardson said.

A market research survey conducted by the Beef Cattle Institute and completed by 77 pharmaceutical and biological professionals at Animal Health Corridor companies indicated a need for online courses in business administration.

"This is another example of K-State listening to the needs of the Animal Health Corridor and delivering a solution to stimulate professional development," said Daniel Thomson, professor of clinical sciences at K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine and director of the Beef Cattle Institute.

The animal health certificate is expected to be well received among K-State's partners in the Animal Health Corridor, according to Lisa Freeman, associate vice president for innovation at the K-State Olathe Innovation Campus.

"It will also ensure that the region maintains a work force capable of supporting industry needs," Freeman said.

Students in the program will learn to use applied skills and attain an understanding of basic functional areas of business and how each contributes to an effective business organization in the context of the animal health industry. The certificate will educate employees by preparing them for additional responsibilities and expanding their career opportunities.

All course work can be completed online and accepted as credit toward K-State's master of business administration program or graduate certificate in business administration. Courses include topics in the managerial challenges and dynamics of the animal health industry, business functional area courses drawing on examples from a range of industries and a detailed project based on a practical need in the employing organization.

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