<p>Hi! I applied for Fall 2012 as an animal science major. I specifically want to work with Cal Poly’s horses. Can you tell me a little bit about the major animal science and what you specifically did/ are doing within the major? What kind of classes do you take? What are the classes like? What is the protocol for handling certain animals? Also, what animals do you like to work with? What do you plan to do after Cal Poly and as a career? Any information would be greatly appreciated! By the way, I have read Cal Poly’s website on the animal science major, I just want to get some personal opinions and experiences from people who have been to Cal Poly, are there now, or plan to go to Cal Poly. Thanks!</p>
<p>Sorry KonaLuv, I can’t tell you much about the specific questions that you ask. However, as a parent of a mechanical engineer at the school, I can tell you about the influence of and the commitment that Cal Poly has for the agriculture and the animal sciences program. First of all, Dr. Armstrong the new president is an agriculture specialist himself and is completely dedicated to the college. He came from an aggie background as a child and it continues to this day. Almost all of his professional academic pursuits have been aggie related.</p>
<p>Next is that there are animals all around campus. There are sheep near the parking lots. Horses in the fields and the school participates in and hosts the most amazing intercollegiate championship rodeos I’ve ever seen. Cal Poly is a strong competitor. Other folks will have to give you the details that you ask. I guess that the point that I wanted to make was the school is absolutely committed to your program. It is an academic leader in your program and the guy running the show is one of you.</p>
<p>Great choice in schools – you’ll love it.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info, Osakadad! The new president sounds like a really cool person. I’m sure I will love going there…if I get accepted!</p>
<p>Good luck! Here is a link to Dr. Armstrong’s bio. You will be impressed with his agriculture street cred… [President</a> Jeffrey D. Armstrong - President’s Office - Cal Poly](<a href=“http://president.calpoly.edu/bio.asp]President”>http://president.calpoly.edu/bio.asp)</p>
<p>Here is an excerpt:</p>
<p>Prior to joining the Cal Poly family, he served as dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and professor of Animal Science at Michigan State University (MSU) beginning in 2001. Armstrong was head of the Department of Animal Sciences at Purdue University from 1997 to 2001. He served in various positions at North Carolina State University (NCSU) from 1986 through 1997.</p>
<p>Armstrong, who was raised on a beef cattle, swine and tobacco farm in Western Kentucky, attended Murray State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1981. He received both a master’s (1984) and doctorate (1986) in physiology and endocrinology from NCSU.</p>