Dr. Saundra TenBroeck is the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) State Extension horse specialist and associate professor for the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida. She was born Saundra Leigh Hodge at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina, in 1956. The second of four children in a military family, she moved constantly in her youth, living in “15 houses in 15 years” before she entered the ninth grade. The family never lived anywhere without a pen full of bird dogs, her dad a talented trainer and avid hunter and fisherman. Though not born to an agricultural family, Saundra grew to appreciate farm life. On vacations, Saundra and her family visited her uncle’s dairy farm, and eventually they moved to “the country." Saundra worked in tobacco for a couple of summers and became involved in the 4-H horse program.
After graduating high school from Salem Academy, Saundra attended Clemson University with an eye toward becoming a veterinarian. After earning her bachelor’s degree in animal science from Clemson University, she graduated from Texas A&M University with a master’s degree and Ph.D. in physiology of reproduction. She began her career with Extension as the University of Florida's first youth livestock specialist, and only the second woman in the Department of Animal Sciences. In the days before the internet and smartphones, Saundra crisscrossed the state of Florida, serving 4-H through the 67 County Extension Offices, FFA through more than 250 Vocational Agriculture Programs, and Youth Livestock Programs through county fairs, regional fairs and the Florida State Fair. During this time, she played a key role in the development of the revolutionary Steer Futurity and Champion of Champions programs at the Florida State Fair, as well as the Youth Livestock Ethics Curriculum.
In 2001, Saundra was assigned as the state horse specialist, a position she currently holds. As an equine subject matter expert, Saundra serves as the go-to person for county agents from South Florida to the Panhandle. This new position also saw an increase in her teaching duties; her impact at the university has been considered generational, as she often teaches the children of former students. Saundra has been an academic advisor and served seven years as undergraduate coordinator, advising around 500 students a semester. She also serves on many committees, notably the UF Senate, American Youth Horse Council, Florida Cattlemen’s and Cattlewomen’s Associations, UF Equestrian Teams, UF Horse Judging, and 4-H Youth Regionals/Nationals.
Affectionately known as “Mama T," she has been a nurturing presence on campus, while garnering a reputation for showing “tough love,” calling on students to work hard, serve others, do the right thing, and accept the consequences of their actions.
And while she is the first to help others, Saundra knows that she could achieve nothing without her faith in God, and the love of her family, her husband Tim, three children, Ryan, Renna and Rebecca, and two grandchildren. While their children are no longer at home, Saundra and Tim enjoy life on their 10-acre property, caring for seven horses, two dogs, and the family mascot, Onie the Pony.
Dr. Saundra TenBroeck joins 39 other women who have earned the respect and admiration of their peers by making outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture.