Bearkat Orgs: Block & Bridle

Bearkat Orgs: Block & Bridle

For students interested in animal science and agriculture, learning does not always stop when they leave the classroom. At Sam Houston State University, Block & Bridle offers students opportunities to hear from industry professionals, serve the community and connect with others who share their interests.

Block & Bridle is a national organization, and SHSU’s chapter focuses on equipping students with knowledge through guest speakers and service projects. The chapter also gives students opportunities to connect with professionals in the agriculture industry and learn about potential careers.

“Animal science is such a broad major, and sometimes it is hard finding people who want to do the same thing as you,” said Kayle Lott, president of Block & Bridle. “It’s nice to find people to lean on for advice, support or encouragement for the future.”

The chapter regularly invites guest speakers to meetings, where professionals in the industry share their experiences and knowledge with students. Previous speakers include Bearkat alumni who work in the cattle and farming industries.

“It’s nice to have connections with people outside of class, and you never know what opportunities it might lead to,” Lott said.

They participate in community service as an organization with the Adopt-a-Highway program, where twice a semester, they pick up trash in front of Gibbs Ranch.

“It’s our way to give back to Sam Houston State University for allowing us the opportunity to be in this environment with other like-minded individuals,” Lott said. “We are cleaning up the environment, which is ultimately the reason we are all here.”

Although Block & Bridle primarily attracts animal science and agriculture students, everyone is welcome to join the organization.

“Membership is open to people who maybe have never shown livestock or been around animals; a lot of times you don’t understand something until you experience it,” Lott said. “If we had a larger reach on campus, more people would be able to understand and support the agriculture industry.”

Students can find Block & Bridle through Bearkat HQ and Instagram. The group meets on the third Thursday of each month in the Fred Pirkle Engineering Technology Center. Official members must pay $10 per semester in dues, but students are welcome to attend meetings without being official members.

“My advice to anybody is to get involved – if you don’t like it, you don’t have to stay in it,” Lott said. “There is something on campus for everybody. Being involved in organizations made my college experience feel complete.”