 |
| Hired at AU: |
July of 2015 |
| Prior to AU: |
Assistant Coach at Alfred University |
| Alma Mater: |
Niagara '03 |
Since August of 2014, Shank had been serving as assistant coach for the University's intercollegiate Western equestrian team. Shank has also been a western trainer and instructor in the University’s Equestrian Program, teaching riding classes as well as courses in Equine Management Studies, while serving as head coach of the AU Western Interscholastic Equestrian Team.
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.
