Kathi Jogan, an instructor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Arkansas, was named the recipient of the 2018-2019  Outstanding Contribution to Service Learning Teaching Award. The Service Learning Initiative Committee recognized the extraordinary commitment and accomplishments of Jogan through her service learning course Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy (EAAT). 

At the award ceremony on Monday, January 28, Dr. Deacue Fields, Dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food, and Life Sciences, thanked the Service Learning Initiative for the recognition and Jogan for all things she has contributed to the program. Dean Fields, echoing comments by faculty and staff in Bumpers College, stated that Jogan is an “extremely hard worker,” “always student focused,” and “always seeking ways to improve.” He added that Jogan is constantly making sure that her students have great experience. Ken Coffey, professor and undergraduate program coordinator in the Department of Animal Science, added “amazing” to the list of ways to describe Dr. Jogan. He recalled recommending Jogan’s course to his advisee last year, and at the end of the semester, she wrote a note to him expressing how Jogan’s class had opened up her mind and changed her life.

Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy (EAAT) is a growing field of study and since 2014, Jogan has brought in U of A students from different disciplines to witness the advantage of EAAT for individuals with emotional and physical disabilities. For her EAAT course, she has partnered with local non-profit EAAT agencies such as Horses for Healing, Courage TRC, Equestrian Bridges, and Corral Coaching and Counseling where students can learn and apply their newfound skills. By integrating service learning into her course, Jogan not only demonstrates how behavioral health for individuals with emotional and physical disabilities could be promoted through horse therapy but also helps build students’ character through volunteerism and meaningful community service. 

"End of course evaluations always rate the service learning portion of this course as ‘eye-opening’, ‘life-changing’ and ‘transformational’," Jogan said. As for the clients, they benefit from the working relationship developed and additional attention which U of A students provide, she added.

Funded by Wilma Sacke-Mattie Cal Maxted Grant, Jogan recently collaborated with Kelly Vowell-Johnson, assistant professor in the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, to conduct a research to assess how exposure to and participation in an EAAT course affected student’s confidence, concern, and propensity to volunteer. This IRB-approved study found positive impact of service learning on student’s confidence, concern and volunteerism. She presented these results at the Conference on Academic Research in Education (CARE) in Las Vegas, Nevada in the spring of last year--funded by a 2017 Service Learning Travel Grant.

The Service Learning Initiative is a joint initiative of the University of Arkansas Provost Office and the Honors College with the purpose of formalizing and expanding service learning opportunities on campus. Since 2014, when the Initiative was launched, more than 150 courses have been designated as service learning. Each semester, faculty and course instructors are encouraged to apply for service learning course designation. Click here to read more on the procedure.