Best Friends Animal Society and Southern Utah University (SUU) announced the nation’s first university-endorsed animal services leadership program for working professionals. The Best Friends Executive Leadership Certification (BFELC) is a comprehensive, six-month blended learning program utilizing in-person and online interactive instruction. Training top-level leaders in animal services throughout the nation, the goal of the program is to end the killing of companion animals in shelters.
“Best Friends is a game changer in animal welfare, pushing animal services toward life saving efforts as opposed to control and disposal,” said Best Friends Chief Executive Officer, Julie Castle. “There are now more than 4,700 no-kill communities in this country."
Castle continued, “This new leadership program is rooted in proven animal services techniques, skills, programs and policies and is pivotal in transforming animal services as a profession and ending the killing of pets in shelters. We are excited to be engaged in such a powerful academic partnership.”
The ultimate objectives of the BFELC are to create organizational action, professional development and business plans. The program connects participants with innovators and national experts in animal services and offers templates, models, checklists, case studies and resources necessary to replicate and implement change in their respective organizations and communities.
Southern Utah University will award an Institutional Certificate and up to six academic credits to those who complete the BFELC. Beyond the program, and dependent on educational backgrounds and goals, participants will have opportunities to earn additional academic credits that may be applied toward SUU bachelor’s or master’s degree programs.
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