David Dean Whitaker, director of the Horse Science School of Agriculture and Agriscience at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), has been selected as the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) equine industry board representative. His term began yesterday (Dec. 5) during the AAEP’s 52nd Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

Whitaker’s career has been dedicated to education in the equine industry.  His many positions within academia include director of the MTSU Horse Science Program, director of public service for MTSU Horse Science, a graduate instructor in the Animal Science Department at Texas Tech University, a teaching assistant in the Animal Science and Adult Education departments at Montana State University, and a 4-H agent for the Agricultural Extension Service at Virginia Tech.

Whitaker has been an avid spokesman for the industry, especially on the subject of Tennessee Walking Horses. His articles have appeared in publications such as the Voice of the Tennessee Walking Horse and Gaited Horse Review.  He has also helped produce educational horse industry videos and has judged contests for several breeds of horses including the American Quarter Horse, Arabian, Appaloosa, Morgan, and Paint horses.
 
Whitaker earned his bachelor of science degree in animal science from the University of Tennessee, his master’s degree in adult education from Montana State University, and his PhD in Animal Science at Texas Tech University