After being surprised with her first horse as a Christmas gift at the age of 12, Keiser University freshman Melissa Brooks knew that her love for the animals could one day play a role in her choice of profession.

So when the Haines City, Florida native learned of Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Business with a concentration in Equine Studies, she wanted to learn more, and along with the curriculum, was attracted to the university’s Flagship campus due to its warm and caring atmosphere and the special attention offered by faculty and staff. “I’m enjoying the opportunity to concentrate on business so that I can eventually open my clinic,” said Brooks who in addition to her studies,  credits her growing knowledge base to her role as the university’s Vice President of DECA, a competitive business club designed to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, management, finance, hospitality, and more.

The opportunity to combine a love for animals along with sound principles of business management has proven attractive to learners in the growing program.

“Melissa has been a great example of how diligence, hard work, and applying oneself can provide a huge return! Under the watchful eyes of our team trainers combined with sound instruction, Melissa has blossomed into a competent equitation rider which is a far different riding discipline than her previous background in Western riding,” said Julie Snyder, Director of Keiser University’s Equestrian Programs and one of the campus leaders Brooks thanks for being a mentor.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration focuses on an in-depth study of the functional areas of business, communication skills, ethical business practices, and technology skills needed in today’s global business environment. Students in the Equine Studies concentration are prepared to start careers in event management, barn management, tack shop management, equine training, operating and managing their own showing and boarding facilities, employment in the thoroughbred racing industry, and more.

Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university, serving nearly 20,000 students and employing 2,900 faculty and staff members. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, the university currently offers more than 100 degrees at 21 Florida campuses, as well as online and at two international sites.  Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as a level VI institution to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels. For additional information regarding Keiser University, visit http://www.keiseruniversity.edu.