On April 2, 2026 local high school students interested in careers in animal science recently had the opportunity to meet with people who work in the field and learn more about related educational options as part of a field trip arranged by the Community Connections program.
Community Connections is a workforce development program that helps students learn about local career prospects and build relationships that could lead to internships, job shadowing, and other professional development opportunities. The program is coordinated by Graves County Economic Development (GCED) in partnership with Graves County and Mayfield Independent Schools, the City of Mayfield, Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and the West Kentucky Workforce Board.
The group visited the Murray State University (MSU) Rudolph Equine Education Center and Riley Livestock and enjoyed a presentation by Dr. Brittany Kirby from the Animal Medical Center in Mayfield over lunch, hosted by the Hutson School of Agriculture at MSU.
“The information Murray State provided about their vet program and touring the Equine Center and seeing the horses, including Racer 1 and two new foals, was a real treat,” said Eric Walker, community education director for both Mayfield and Graves County schools. “They really did a fine job of presenting their program to the students.”
Walker continued, “Riley Livestock showcased the immense work they do in the cattle industry that takes place right here in Graves County, plus the various careers that are available. The students had a strong base of knowledge and utilized it throughout the day.”
“Programs like Community Connections are exactly what workforce development should look like—bringing students face-to-face with real careers right here at home,” said Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katie Beth McCord. “By connecting students with local businesses, educators, and industry leaders, we’re not only opening their eyes to what’s possible, but also helping build the pipeline of talent our community needs to thrive for years to come. We’re especially grateful to our animal science partners and Chamber members who made this experience possible by sharing their time, knowledge, and passion with the next generation.”
An important regional partner is the Hutson School of Agriculture at Murray State University (MSU) and Dr. Brian Parr, Dean, said the School of Agriculture is happy to have students from Graves County touring the farm and facility. “We are happy to provide an educational resource for our region that prepares future agricultural leaders like those students," said Parr.
Dr. Shea Porr, Associate Dean, Hutson School of Agriculture, Department Chair, Animal and Equine Science, and Professor, Equine Science, also served as a MSU visit host. "It was a pleasure having the Graves County Community Connections animal science students at the Rudolph Equine Education Center at Murray State,” said Porr. “We always appreciate the opportunity to host high school students on our campus to showcase a little about what college life might look like and answer questions about careers in Animal Science. If we can do nothing but show them there are a lot of options out there that they may not have considered, even if it's not for them, then we've at least opened their eyes to opportunity."
Dr. Tara Joiner, Interim Department Chair and Instructor, Veterinary Technology/Pre-Veterinary Medicine, said it was a privilege to host the Graves County animal science students in cooperation with Community Connections. “We are pleased to share insights about veterinary medicine and veterinary technology,” said Joiner. We hope their visit inspired greater interest and encouraged them to consider future careers in this rewarding profession.”
The Equine Center is part of the Hutson School of Agriculture at MSU, providing a comprehensive, hands-on education designed to prepare students for careers across the agricultural industry. Offering associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs, the school covers a wide range of disciplines including animal science, agronomy, agribusiness, veterinary technology, and agricultural education.
The program emphasizes experiential learning through laboratories, internships, and on-campus farm facilities, including research farms, equine centers, and veterinary technology labs. These opportunities allow students to gain real-world skills in livestock management, crop production, and agricultural systems.
After leaving MSU, the group traveled back to Mayfield to visit Riley Livestock, a locally owned agricultural business, specializing in livestock marketing and wholesale distribution. Operating for over two decades, the company plays a key role in the regional agricultural economy by facilitating the buying, selling, and movement of livestock for producers. Riley’s supports farmers and agricultural operations through efficient livestock transactions and industry expertise.
The students then moved to CFSB Bank for lunch where Dr. Kirby discussed the educational requirements and responsibilities of a small animal veterinarian and the veterinary business. Lunch was provided by the Hutson School of Agriculture at MSU.
Dr. Kirby is on staff at the Animal Medical Center of Mayfield, a full-service veterinary clinic dedicated to providing high-quality care for companion animals. The experienced veterinary team offers a wide range of services including wellness exams, preventative care, diagnostics, and emergency treatment, ensuring pets receive comprehensive and compassionate care throughout every stage of life.
Committed to both medical excellence and client relationships, Animal Medical Center of Mayfield plays an important role in supporting animal health and strengthening the bond between pets and their families across Graves County.
“In a county where agriculture and livestock production are critical to the local economy, we’re excited see students interested in pursuing careers in animal science,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “Our local animal medical providers routinely recruit in other regions, and we’d be delighted to keep some of these students working here at home. The opening of the Murray State University School of Veterinary Medicine will make this a very accessible career path for our students and we’re happy to encourage them by helping them forge relationships with Community Connections.”
This was the final Community Connections field trip for the 2025-2026 school year. A full schedule of interesting and educational visits will return in the fall.