Professor, Equine Science and Management
How long have you been at DelVal?
I have been at DelVal since August 2018.
What brought you to DelVal?
I think the things that brought me to DelVal are the same features that appeal to many of our students – the emphasis on experiential learning, the small class sizes, the welcoming campus community, and the opportunity to work with a great equine program.
How do you harness the experiential learning pillar of DelVal and apply that to your everyday teachings?
Most of my students are looking for careers within the horse industry, so it is important that I create authentic opportunities for them to gain the skills, knowledge, and context they will need to be successful. I try to incorporate active, hands-on learning in different forms, from case studies and student research projects, to field trips and discussions with industry experts, to lab activities and role-playing. All are designed to give students real-world experience and provide feedback that helps them achieve their career goals.
What brings you the most satisfaction in your job?
Helping students achieve their goals, and providing them with tools they will need, is definitely the most rewarding part of my job. I love it when I hear from students, sometimes years after they’ve graduated, that something they did or learned in one of my classes, or a connection I helped them make with an industry professional, or a letter or recommendation I wrote, had a positive impact in their lives. That’s got to be one of the best feelings ever.
What are the characteristics of a successful student at DelVal?
I think the most successful students are those that are proactive toward their own education, have a positive attitude, and show a strong work ethic. I also encourage all my students to get involved in the campus community, whether that’s as a member of an athletic team or club, working on campus, or engaging in an undergraduate research project or special topics class.
Are there any specific activities or initiatives you prioritize when mentoring DelVal students?
I’m not sure if this is the answer you’re looking for as an initiative, but one of the things I was excited to bring to DelVal has been a faculty-led study abroad experience for our equine students. The horse industry is a global one, so it makes sense for our students to gain international exposure and global perspectives as they work toward their career goals. DelVal has had a semester-long exchange program with Hartpury University in England for some time, but for some students, a short-term (10-12 days) trip preceded by a spring course, makes more sense. I really enjoy mentoring students in this unique and immersive study abroad course, and it has been very well received. Nearly 40 DelVal students have completed the course to date, and we’ve explored the horse industry in Germany, Austria, Ireland, and Great Britain.
If you were a YouTube or TikTok influencer, what would the subject of your channel or content be about?
I really love equine art and photography, so that’s probably what most of my content would be!
About Dr. Splan
Dr. Rebecca Splan teaches courses in equine and animal science at Delaware Valley University. She has more than 30 years of experience in the horse industry, and over 20 years of experience teaching in higher education. She is passionate about experiential learning, curriculum development, and student mentorship. Since her arrival at DelVal, she has created new opportunities in equine undergraduate research, and developed study abroad programs in Germany and Great Britain for DelVal equine students.
Before joining the faculty at DelVal, Dr. Splan taught undergraduate and graduate courses at the University of Minnesota, Sul Ross State University, and Virginia Tech, where she also directed its sport horse breeding program. She has served as a member of the Boards of Directors for the National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics, the International Sporthorse Registry/Oldenburg Registry North America, the Virginia Arabian Horse Association, and the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (now the Livestock Conservancy). She is also a USDF Bronze Medalist and “L” Program graduate with honors. Dr. Splan enjoys equine photography and showing her Quarter Horse mare in Ranch Riding events.