WASHINGTON - The Humane Society of the United States' training program, Humane Society University, has been recognized for outstanding achievement by the Maryland Society of Association Executives. Humane Society University received a First Place in the Program Innovation category of MSAE's 2006 Circle of Excellence Awards program.
"MSAE's Circle of Excellence Awards recognize Maryland-based associations for exemplary work done on behalf of their members or the community," says MSAE President Claire Jefferson. "Humane Society University sets a standard for which other organizations should strive and can certainly be counted among Maryland's finest."
The winning HSU entry highlights two online programs initiated in 2005: the Pets for Life Certificate Program (a series of non-credit courses designed for shelter workers to improve the level of animal care and increase the rate of successful animal adoptions) and the Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership (a for-credit program offered in partnership with Duquesne University's School for Leadership and Professional Advancement, to provide management skills training for both current and potential leaders of humane organizations).
Historically, animal welfare professionals have had little opportunity for continuing education and professional advancement, largely the result of shoe-string budgets of nonprofit organizations and local government agencies. The online format of these two HSU programs provides affordable, accessible, topical, and need-driven learning opportunities for all levels of animal welfare professionals As demonstrated by these award-winning programs, HSU is able to tailor its course offerings in order to meet the highly specialized needs of tremendously varied constituent groups
"Humane Society University is honored to receive the Circle of Excellence award, which highlights organizations for the execution and impact of their programs," says Robert Roop, Ph.D., HSUS vice president of human resources and education. "The award further validates our efforts to professionalize the animal care and control field and to promote the protection of animals."
Humane Society University will be honored at MSAE's 2006 Annual Meeting and Expo April 21 in Hunt Valley, Md.
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The Maryland Society of Association Executives a creative and effective community of committed professionals leading associations into the future.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with more than 9.5 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammals, animals in research, equine protection, and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The nonprofit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.
