SCI Foundation (SCIF) and Sables have partnered with Auburn University to provide an experiential learning opportunity for up to 30 Junior and Senior students in the Wildlife Enterprise program at the university. SCI members Holland and Carolyn Powell have graciously committed to provide financial support to carry out the program. Holland currently serves as SCI Foundation Treasurer and Carolyn is the past SCI Life Hunter Advocacy Society (LHAS) Chairperson.
The partnership is a component of SCI Foundation’s University Program, focused on exposing college students who are studying to pursue a career in the wildlife enterprise industry. Developing a partnership for these students is a great opportunity for SCIF and Sables to provide a gateway to wildlife industry professionals where these students can network and explore opportunities for employment. SCIF staff led by Assistant Director of Education Todd Roggenkamp will work with Dr. Todd Franks Professor of Practice & Program Coordinator of Wildlife Enterprise Management at Auburn University, to develop the curriculum/program offerings, coordinate the program, and provide instruction. Topics covered in this program will be the North America Model of Conservation, best practices in land, hospitality, and foodservice management and how to attract and retain clients.
Guest speakers from several outfitting companies from throughout North America will speak to the students about regional differences and challenges that come with managing a facility and its land for conservation and hunting. Plans are being made to have up to 12 students from the class attend the SCI convention January 22-25, 2025, in Nashville. The students will be selected by submitting an essay on why they want to attend and what they hope to gain from the experience. Students will spend a day on the showroom floor interacting with outfitters from around the world to network and gain knowledge about their wildlife enterprise operations. The program will culminate in April with the class visiting the 5-Star Preserve in Kellyton, Alabama, where they will tour the facility while meeting with key personnel to learn about how it is operated and managed.
Here at SCIF, we are excited to develop this learning module with Auburn as this allows us to work with tomorrow’s professional hunters, lodge managers and wildlife entrepreneurs. If you or someone you know is interested in working with SCIF and Sables to support future university programming, please contact Assistant Director of Education, Todd Roggenkamp at 520-954-0664 or troggenkamp@scifirstforhunters.org.
