Samantha Black begins as farm manager at MSU Horse Teaching and Research Center
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EmailMSU alumna Samantha Black returns to lead the Horse Teaching and Research Center.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University (MSU) has named Samantha Black as the new farm manager of the MSU Horse Teaching and Research Center. Black began her role Aug. 24.
Black takes over for Paula Hitzler, who served as farm manager for 36 years before retiring on May 29.
A 2019 MSU animal science alumna, Black has spent much of her life working with horses. Growing up on farms in her hometown of Fowlerville, Michigan, she developed experience in horse training, breeding and care.
Before joining MSU, Black spent six years at Saginaw Valley Equine Clinic in Saginaw, Michigan, where she managed the clinic's sports medicine and horse show departments. During that time, she completed an equine certificate program offered by the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and became a licensed veterinary nurse.
Alongside her experience leading horse facilities and her background in veterinary medicine, Black said her mentors and her MSU education helped prepare her for this role. Among those mentors are her parents, Bill Brown of W. Brown Performance Horses in Fowlerville, and Dan and Wendy Huss of Huss Performance Horses in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“Coming back to my alma mater and having the opportunity to represent MSU through this position is incredibly meaningful to me,” Black said. “I’m grateful for the education, experiences and relationships I gained during my time at MSU, and I’m proud to now have the opportunity to give back to the program that played such an important part in my development.
“Having been a student here, I understand firsthand the impact that hands-on experiences and mentorship can have on someone’s career. It’s incredibly rewarding to now be on the other side of that experience — to share what I’ve learned throughout my career, support students and help provide them with opportunities that can shape their own futures.”
Quentin Tyler, director of MSU Extension and interim director of the MSU AgBioResearch on-campus research and teaching centers, said the MSU Horse Teaching and Research Center is well-positioned to build on its success under Black's leadership.
“Samantha brings a strong combination of hands-on horse experience, veterinary knowledge and an understanding of MSU that will serve the MSU Horse Teaching and Research Center well,” Tyler said. “She knows how important this facility is to our students, our researchers and Michigan’s horse community. After 36 years of dedicated leadership from Paula Hitzler, we’re fortunate to have Samantha step into this role with a clear commitment to excellent animal care, student learning and the continued success of the center.”
Located at 3327 Collins Road, Lansing, MI, 48910, the MSU Horse Teaching and Research Center’s primary mission is to educate the next generation of Michigan equestrians and solve industry problems through applied scientific research. The center boasts one of the oldest continuous Arabian horse breeding programs in the U.S.
Black said she looks forward to building relationships across MSU and Michigan’s horse community as she continues establishing herself in her new role, while ensuring the animals she oversees continue to receive the high standard of care and attention that has long defined the university's land-grant mission.
“I want people to know that the horses and students will always be at the heart of what I do,” Black said. “I’m proud to be back at MSU and excited to help carry forward the great work that’s been done at the Horse Teaching and Research Center. I’m looking forward to getting to know more people throughout the Michigan horse community and working together to help the center thrive.”
Michigan State University AgBioResearch scientists discover dynamic solutions for food systems and the environment. More than 300 MSU faculty conduct leading-edge research on a variety of topics, from health and agriculture to natural resources. Originally formed in 1888 as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU AgBioResearch oversees numerous on-campus research facilities, as well as 15 outlying centers throughout Michigan. To learn more, visit agbioresearch.msu.edu.
