Alumni Spotlight: Kathy Anderson

Kathy Anderson
Meet Kathy Anderson, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln alumna who graduated in 1981 with an animal science degree.
September 7, 2022

Graduation Date: 1981 

Major: Animal Science
What is your current position? 
I am a Nebraska Extension horse specialist.  
How did your time in CASNR shape your career path?
I had a mentor in my sorority who was an animal science major and understood my interest in horses. She helped direct me to animal science and the judging programs. This put me on the path where I am today. I was very lost on what to do in my future and it gave me something that I became very interested in. When I graduated with my bachelor’s of science degree, I was still not on a set career path, but my time in animal science gave me a direction for future career and education exploration.  
What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job? 
I would say working with students and helping to guide them in their future careers. I now have students in a vast array of careers, and it is very rewarding. Not all of these are animal science students as some are former judging team members. Being able to help them along their career paths as students and alumni and very fulfilling.  
What activities were you involved in during your time at UNL? 
I did my bachelor’s degree at UNL and became involved in the Meats Judging Team, Livestock Judging Team and the Block and Bridle Club. At that time, there was not a Horse Judging Team. I was also a member of a sorority. There were not many opportunities in the equine area at that time.  
What is your best memory of your time in CASNR? 
During my time at UNL, Block and Bridle was very active, and I was very busy. The two big events that stand out were the weekend of Little Aksarben and the banquet. Also, Block and Bridle hosted a very large quarter horse show and the UNL rodeo was the same weekend. Both were heavily attended and they were tremendous outreach and recruiting events. In general, I loved the “small community” atmosphere of CASNR. You truly got to know the faculty and staff and always felt welcome.  
How did CASNR prepare you for your life outside of work? 
I would say that it introduced me to a very wide variety of experiences, and I had the opportunity to meet and interact with students and faculty from all over. This helped to open doors for me and foster relationships with individuals of diverse backgrounds that I would not have known. I did not grow up in a rural community but developed friendships that helped me have many diverse experiences.  
What do you think IANR and CASNR contribute to Nebraska, the United States and the world? 
We are certainly leaders in agriculture throughout and have a tremendous reputation for quality teaching, extension and research.  
What is your one piece of advice for current CASNR students? 
Get involved and don’t be hesitant to explore different areas or ideas of what you can do.