09/30/2026
When Weslee Nehl ’21 chose Carroll, she knew she wanted a career working with animals. Her Anthrozoology education gave her the hands-on experience and foundation to turn that passion into a career.
Today, Weslee serves as an Animal Ambassador Supervisor at a nonprofit zoo and wildlife rehabilitation center, where she oversees more than 70 permanent resident animals and educates the public about wildlife conservation.
One of the experiences that helped shape her career? Training shelter dogs during her junior year at Carroll.
“The animal training I learned at Carroll was the ideal starting point for everything I do now,” Weslee said. “Since graduating, I've trained grizzly bears, bobcats, bald eagles, owls, crows, and many other species.”
And then there were the bats. 🦇
A connection with Carroll biology professor Brandon Schaefer led Weslee to an opportunity caring for live fruit bats at ExplorationWorks. She quickly fell in love with them, turning an unexpected opportunity into one of her favorite animals and favorite topics to teach others about.
From hands-on learning and close faculty relationships to discovering an unexpected passion, Weslee's Carroll experience continues to shape the work she does every day.
"Carroll is small, but mighty," she said. "Because of the small campus and class sizes, you truly get to know your professors. That makes it easier to ask questions, seek support, and build meaningful relationships. The campus is beautiful, the community is welcoming, and it's an incredible place to grow, especially if you're looking for a supportive environment."
Read Weslee's full story here: https://www.carroll.edu/about/directory/weslee-nehl
