Bringing U of A Equine Programs Together at the Campus Agricultural Center

Jan. 15, 2026
To: University Employees
From: College of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences
Subject: Bringing U of A Equine Programs Together at the Campus Agricultural Center
Date: Jan 15, 2026

Michael E. Staten, interim dean of the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences/Cooperative Extension, and Brett Blum, interim director of Arizona Experiment Station, sent the following message to CALES faculty and staff on Jan. 15.

CALES has completed a strategic evaluation of our equine facilities, instructional needs and long-term program goals. Based on this review, we will begin to bring equine programs together at the Campus Agricultural Center (CAC), creating a central hub for a unified One Herd model that coordinates resources, staff and animals. Located three miles north of the University's main campus at the corner of Campbell Avenue and Roger Road, this move provides expanded opportunities for integrated instruction, collaborative research and enhanced student experiences. To support this transition, CALES will work with the UA Foundation on the sale of the Al-Marah Equine Center (AMEC) property.

Ruth "Bazy" Tankersley's generous support helped establish AMEC as a hub for hands-on equine teaching, research and student experience. Relocating programs to CAC continues that mission – improving access for students and faculty, streamlining operations, and strengthening instruction and research capacity. Proceeds from the sale will be placed in a dedicated fund honoring Mrs. Tankersley's commitment to equine education.

All spring-semester instruction at AMEC will continue as planned, and all horses will remain under University care.

Advantages of the transition

  • Enhances student and faculty access to facilities and programs
  • Supports consistent, high-quality animal care across all equine programs
  • Integrates resources and staff to improve program sustainability and efficiency
  • Improves collaborative opportunities with colleges across campus

Next steps

Information sessions will be held to share more details about the transition and provide an opportunity for CALES faculty, staff, and program users to contribute their input.