• by Julie Schmidt •

Tiffany Janke, from Leon Valley, Texas, is Sul Ross State University’s Livestock and Equine Manager.

Growing up on a 20-acre property, Tiffany grew to love animals and had her first pony by the age of three.  She attended Sul Ross as an undergraduate, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in both equine science and agricultural business; however, once the equine program disbanded she enrolled at Texas State University in San Marcos to complete her undergraduate studies.

When Tiffany married Thomas Janke, a research associate at SRSU’s Borderlands Research Institute, she returned to Alpine to work on her Master of Agriculture degree.  

Post wedding and honey moon, and back in Alpine, she began working as a ranch worker on the University’s ranch lands where she was responsible for grounds upkeep and looking after the livestock.  After only one year in that position, Tiffany was promoted to Livestock and Equine Manager this past September.  She now spends her days coordinating the use of animals in classes and labs, and overseeing the budgeting and finance of everything related to the University’s horses and livestock.

This spring, Janke will begin teaching her first of what she hopes will be many courses: Horse Production and Management.  She is also the adviser for multiple student organizations, including the Ranch Horse Team, Equine Science Club, and the Haunted House Club.  

While continuing to enjoy her lifelong love of working with animals, Janke says she appreciates having a job which is never the same two days in a row.  And she thanks her four hardworking and dedicated student workers who make life easier for her.