Shea Porr named superintendent of Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Shea Porr of Charles Town, W.Va., has been named superintendent of the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MARE Center).
The MARE Center is one of 13 agricultural research and Extension centers in Virginia and part of Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Porr brings an extensive knowledge of equine research and Extension programming, as well as a passion for sharing her expertise through educational venues. She has considerable experience in nutrition and physiology research and equine education and has published extensively on the topic of equine health and exercise.
“Dr. Porr is an innovative, forward-looking leader who brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the position,” said Craig Nessler, director of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station and associate dean for research for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “We look forward to her leadership to help guide the center in better serving the needs of the equine community.”
Porr, who has collaborated with the MARE Center as an equine Extension agent since October 2006, said her goals include, “continuing to improve Extension programming efforts here at the center, working with Virginia Tech faculty and staff to continue the exceptional educational opportunities afforded by the college and the center, and to assist in developing and implementing cutting-edge research that will benefit the horse industry here in Virginia and around the world.”
As equine Extension agent for Virginia Cooperative Extension Northern District Office, Porr implemented more than 30 programs throughout the commonwealth. Previously, she worked as equine Extension associate at The Ohio State University and served as assistant professor at The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute.
Porr received her undergraduate degree in animal science from Texas A&M University and graduated with her master’s and doctorate degrees in equine nutrition and exercise physiology from the University of Florida and Virginia Tech, respectively. She is a board member of the Virginia Forage and Grassland Council, and an active member of the Equine Science Society, the Virginia Horse Council, and the Virginia State Animal Response Team.
Virginia Tech’s Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s mission is to advance the health and wellbeing of the horse through graduate education for equine professionals, nutritional and pasture management research, and community educational programs. Located in Middleburg, Va., the center is one of 13 Agricultural Research and Extension Centers located across the state that serves the commonwealth's agricultural needs.
