ALFRED, NY – After being a part of Alfred University since August of 2014, Steve Shank, the Director of Equestrian Studies and Head Coach of the Western Equestrian team, will be stepping away to pursue a new career as the CEO of the Virginia Horse Center Foundation.
 
"Since 2014 Peggy and I have made the Maris Cuneo Horse Park and the Bromeley-Daggett Equestrian Center our home," Steve said. "It is my opinion that there has not been one day of work during this time as we have enjoyed our time here so much. Every single day, I have learned something from either the students, horses or as a custodian of Alfred University's Equestrian Center. For this and everything else I want to thank all of the acquaintances and friends that we have made during our tenure at Alfred University."
 
With almost an entire decade as a Saxon administrator and coach, Shank will start his new career on March 31. His wife, Peggy, will also be concluding her career at Alfred University at the end of May. "Since 2014, Steve and Peggy Shank have contributed immensely to the fabric of our equestrian program," Vice President for Student Experience, Amy DeKay said. "The leadership they have provided to our program and teams has moved the program forwarded, resulting in many academic and co-curricular opportunities for our students. I wish Steve and Peggy continued success in their professional and personal pursuits. You have made a significant impact in helping our students realize their purpose."
 
Shank has more than 40 years of experience in the horse industry, with an emphasis on training, showing and horse show management. Since 1982, he has owned and operated Shank Quarter Horses, a boarding, training, breeding and showing facility in nearby Wellsville, NY. He is responsible for overseeing training of riders who have competed successfully at the local and national level, and is responsible for the day-to-day business operations.
 
He is a nationally-sanctioned horse show judge, holding Judges Cards for the American Paint Horse Association, the Palomino Horse Breeders Association, the Pinto Horse Association, the Appaloosa Horse Club, Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada, American Ranch Horse Association, and National Snaffle Bit Association (Category 1).
 
An accountant by profession, Shank earned Associates' degrees in math and science form Niagara County Community College in 1985, a bachelor's degree in accounting from Niagara University in 2003 and a Master's of Business Administration (accounting) from Niagara in 2005.
 
The Shanks and the rest of the equestrian center staff's work and passion for the equine world was recently highlighted in a feature by Equine Helper, a popular horse website for new and experienced horse owners, in July of 2023. Alfred University was listed among the Top-10 horse colleges in the United States. Some of the highlights as to why AU made that list have been the academic installments as students can now major in equine business management while having minors in equine studies, equine-assisted psychotherapy and equine business management.
 
"Steve and Peggy have made a tremendous impact on our equestrian program," Associate Vice President for Student Experience, Athletics & Recreation, Deb Steward said. "I am grateful for their leadership in expanding the academic opportunities for our students and mentoring our riders to achieve success."
 
Peggy, along with Lynn O'Connell, Professor of School Psychology, worked to begin an Eagala model Equine Assisted Psychotherapy training, starting in June, 2024. This is an opportunity for students or community members who are interested in pursuing careers in equine assisted therapies, also bringing an awareness of AU's equestrian programs to a larger demographic, not only in the surrounding areas of Allegany and Steuben Counties.
 
On the athletic side, Alfred University's western equestrian team has earned Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) Zone II, Region I Western High Point Team every year since the 2013-14 season. Individual rider accomplishments include multiple trips to the IHSA National Championship Show. The Saxons have produced multiple Top-10 finishes at the national level, totaling over 20 among western and hunt seat.
 
A national search will be conducted for both positions.