By Blake Jackson
For Dr. Victoria Bailey, joining Missouri State University represents an opportunity to combine her passion for horses, research and teaching. This fall, Bailey became an assistant professor in the School of Agricultural Science and Conservation within the Darr College of Agriculture, according to Missouri State University student Brianna Record.
Bailey said the position immediately felt like a strong match when she discovered the job posting. Her impression grew after visiting campus and seeing the commitment faculty and staff have toward students.
Bailey plans to bring her background in equine research into the classroom while also connecting with Missouri’s horse industry.
Bailey interest in horses began during childhood in Woodruff, South Carolina. As she grew older, her passion developed into practical experience. During high school, she trained horses and taught riding lessons to children between ages 5 and 17.
Bailey earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Clemson University in 2017. She later worked as an assistant broodmare manager in Aiken, South Carolina, caring for foals from birth through age 2.
“I felt I could do more … I want to know how things work and why,” Bailey said.
That curiosity led her to pursue advanced research. Bailey earned a PhD in equine reproductive physiology from Louisiana State University in 2024. Her doctoral research examined seasonal reproduction in horses, including how kisspeptin and prolactin interact in the brain to influence reproductive changes.
Bailey then spent 2024-26 as a postdoctoral researcher at Michigan State University, studying women’s health, pregnancy and preeclampsia through mouse models.
At Missouri State, Bailey hopes to continue investigating equine reproduction and identify ways research can support healthier horses and foals. She summarized her research goal simply: “More babies, but better babies.”
Bailey will teach reproductive physiology, equine reproduction, animal breeding, and equine evaluation. She is particularly excited about the hands-on nature of her spring equine reproduction course.
“I’m most excited to teach equine reproduction in the spring because it’s so hands-on,” Bailey said. “Students will help with foaling, stallion collection and rebreeding mares.”
She also plans to establish a research laboratory where undergraduate and graduate students can participate in projects, analyze data, and contribute to scientific publications.
For Bailey, teaching and research offer a perfect combination.
“What’s better than talking about horses?” Bailey said.
Photo Credit: missouri-state-university
Categories: Missouri, Education, Livestock