Southern Utah University and Best Friends Animal Society Celebrate Program Milestone
Published: January 06, 2026 | Author: Brooke Heath, M.A. APR | Read Time: 2 minutes
CEDAR CITY, Utah — Southern Utah University (SUU) and Best Friends Animal Society are proud to announce a significant milestone in their groundbreaking academic collaboration. The program has officially surpassed 1,500 total learners and issued more than 770 professional certificates, marking a new era of accessibility and professionalization in the field of contemporary animal services.
As the official academic partner to Best Friends Animal Society, SUU provides a unique bridge between practical animal services and higher education. This collaboration offers a range of opportunities tailored for everyone - from experienced professionals seeking career advancement to newcomers looking to make a difference in their communities.
“Crossing these learner milestones confirms that when clear pathways meet passion and purpose, people move,” explains Melinda Pfundstein, Executive Director of SUU’s Community & Workforce Development Department. “SUU's partnership with Best Friends makes animal services accessible to everyone. Our programs meet learners with flexible entry points, guidance, and momentum so that curiosity can be turned into action.”
The partnership continues to expand its reach with stackable microcredentials designed to meet learners where they are:
- Introduction to the Field: A perfect entry point for those looking to "dip their toe" into the industry, exploring what it means to build a career or a dedicated volunteer life in animal services.
- Cat and Dog Life Saving: Specialized courses for individuals already in the field or those who would like to begin volunteering or working on the front lines of animal shelters and rescue organizations.
- Microcredentials for All: Diverse, short-form learning options that allow animal lovers of all backgrounds to boost their resumes and gain expert knowledge.
For those pursuing long-term career growth, SUU offers several educational pathways that translate real-world training into academic credit. These credits can be applied toward SUU bachelor’s or master’s degree programs, including the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) with a graduate emphasis in Contemporary Animal Services Leadership (CASL).
“This was a great learning experience and has boosted my confidence in making changes within the organization and also tweaking current ideas/plans by implementing things I learned while taking this course,” explained Mindy M. from Crestview, FL, a graduate of the Dog Lifesaving Fundamentals course.
“Whether you are an experienced practitioner or a student just starting out, the programs and courses within the SUU and Best Friends partnership provide the tools necessary to lead and innovate in the evolving landscape of animal services,” said Aimee Charlton, National Director of Learning Advancement at Best Friends Animal Society. “By offering accessible, high-quality education, both organizations are working together to empower individuals who want to contribute to saving the lives of pets in our nation and be a part of making history as we create professional standards for the field of animal services.”
For more information about SUU’s Animal Services Professional Development Courses visit suu.edu/prodev/best-friends/ or bestfriends.org/learn
Tags: Community and Professional Development Community Academic Non-Traditional Student Services
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu