CANR Alumni Board Spotlight – John Schankin
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EmailCANR is releasing a series of spotlights on Alumni Board members. John Schankin ('89, Livestock Production Certificate, '91 B.S. Animal Science) is currently an Executive Board member representing the Institute of Agricultural Technology (AIT).
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) has nearly 60,000 alumni living around the world. The CANR Alumni Board plays a critical role connecting this large and diverse alumni community to meaningful ways to engage with the college after graduation.
The mission of the CANR Alumni Board is to build relationships that serve the college, alumni, students and friends of MSU. The board consists of volunteer members representing each of the college departments, MSU Extension, young alumni and at-large members. These members meet four times a year: September, December, March and July in East Lansing.
Alumni Board members have a variety of responsibilities, including promoting college events and philanthropic opportunities. They also serve as liaisons between the college, academic departments, alumni, and the agriculture and natural resources industries, among other duties. The work of the Alumni Board helps to keep the CANR community vibrant and connect.
CANR is releasing a series of spotlights on Alumni Board members. These stories will highlight each member's motivation for joining the board and share their experiences in this role.
John Schankin ('89, Livestock Production Certificate, '91 B.S. Animal Science) is currently an Executive Board member representing the Institute of Agricultural Technology (AIT). He is currently an Account Manager for Animal Health International.
How did your experience at CANR set you up for success in your career after graduation?
CANR provided me a solid foundation going into a career and I was supported by my advisors and professors. In addition, being a member of the AIT and four-year Livestock Judging Teams allowed me to gain much needed selling and presentation skills that were beneficial in my career.
What inspired you to become a CANR Alumni Board member?
I had a great experience at MSU and I felt it was the right time to start giving back to my alma mater and support the college’s future and its students.
What advice do you have for CANR current students?
Get involved in different activities and groups relating to CANR and network with other students, professors and alumni from the college.
How would you encourage other CANR alumni to get involved and connect with the college?
I think alumni of the college should consider attending different CANR alumni functions and events and provide feedback to board members based on their experiences.
What kind of impact do you hope to have as a member of the CANR Alumni board?
I want to help represent and promote AIT and provide insight and feedback to CANR based on my experience at MSU and in the agriculture industry
Learn more about the responsibilities and mission of the CANR Alumni Board and its members. To learn more about how you can get involved or serve on the CANR Alumni Board, please contact the CANR Advancement team.
