Sam Cunningham

Sam grew up fourth generation on her family’s farming/ranching operation in Western Nebraska which focused on purebred and commercial cattle production. Presently, there is a sole focus on commercial cattle. Sam earned an Associate’s degree from Clarendon College in Clarendon, TX. She then transferred to Texas Tech University in Lubbock to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a business option. While at both Clarendon and Texas Tech, she was a member of the Livestock Judging Team. Sam earned an M.S. in Animal Breeding and a Ph.D. in Animal Science from Texas A&M University in College Station. Prior to joining faculty at Colorado State University, she was on faculty at Western Illinois University where she taught Animal Science courses, managed the beef cattle teaching herd, and served as coordinator for the university’s bull test. Before moving to Illinois, Sam spent 2 ½ years working in the beef industry. She was responsible for records, registrations, and data management, as well as customer service on a large working ranch in Texas. At CSU, Sam teaches undergraduate Animal Science courses. She’s currently teaching Introduction to Food Animal Science (ANEQ 101) and Livestock Practicum (ANEQ 286). Sam enjoys the hands on aspect of Animal Science teaching and learning, and she is working to promote hands on experiences in the courses she teaches at CSU. Sam is a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the American Society of Animal Science. In her spare time, Sam enjoys spending time with friend and family, travelling, cooking, and livestock.