WHO is the instructor?

Nadene Blakeley recently joined the staff at the Saginaw Career Complex and has brought a great wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the Animal Science program.  Prior to joining the staff at the Complex, Nadene spent some time teaching in the AgriScience/Environmental Technology program at the Lapeer County Vocational Technology Center. 

As a graduate of Michigan State University, Nadene Blakeley thinks she has a definite advantage in the field of Animal Science.  According to Nadene, "the agriscience programs at MSU prepare teachers better than most other universities."

As a self proclaimed "outdoors person," Ms. Blakeley is excited about the focus of the Animal Science program--large and small animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, care and management.  "I like what we do here, and I like the campus setting at the Complex," says Nadene.  Working with and communicating with students comes easily to Nadene and brings her great pleasure.

In her spare time, Nadene likes to play softball and train her five horses for barrel racing.  Currently, she has one horse that competes, and has placed 6th in her racing division.

WHAT special clubs or student organizations is the program involved with?

FFA-Students will become members of the FFA, a national student organization that provides opportunities to develop premier leadership, dersonal growth and career success through agricultural education, which includes animal science.  Students  will have opportunities to participate in various leadership, teambuilding, and skills contests. 

WHAT certifications can I achieve or work toward in the Animal Science program?

Students may earn an OSHA CareerSafe Certification.  The CareerSafe certification program is making a valuable contribution to the Department of Labor's efforts to prepare young people for a safe future in the workplace.  Students will learn about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace and gain knowledge about how they can protect themselves and others.  Areas of safety that will be covered include:  preventing falls, personal protective equipment, bloodborne pathogens, electrical safety, machine guarding, hazard communications, ergonomics, prevention of workplace violence, emergeny action, and safety philosophy.

Students may earn a Marketable Skills Certificate. The marketable skills certification process provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate, document, and defend their achievement of employer validated standards and competencies. Achievement of the marketable skills certification should improve the likelihood of success in future employment and/or a continuing educational program.

Students may work toward the Artificial Insemination Certification.

WHAT college credits can I earn in the Animal Science program?

Since the Animal Science program is new, articulation agreements have not been finalized at this time. Agreements with area colleges are currently under consideration.