About the Institute for Human-Animal Connection

IHAC Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement

The Institute for Human-Animal Connection values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We recognize that identities, contexts, and systems interact to disparately affect humans and, by extension, other species and the environment. Therefore, we are dedicated to working towards understanding and confronting historic, ongoing, systemic marginalization and oppression in human-animal-environment interactions.

Commitments to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

• As an organization, we listen to and learn from diverse voices. It is our responsibility to create welcoming and inclusive spaces in which all belong.
• As educators, we value the backgrounds and experiences students bring to human-animal-environment interactions and are committed to increasing the accessibility of our education programs. We prepare students to develop policies and practices that uphold diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in their work. 
• As researchers, we strive to understand how diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging considerations affect human-animal-environment interactions.

Our Team

IHAC faculty and staff are educators, practitioners, researchers, authors, students, and advocates who specialize in relationships between animals, people, and the environment.

Our History

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  2006: Institute for Human-Animal Connection Founded

  Building on the success of human-animal interaction courses and a certificate created at the University of Denver's Gradudate School of Social Work years prior, co-founders Philip Tedeschi and Jennifer Fitchett launched IHAC.

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  2006: First Education Offering Launched for IHACPro

  Our first professional development offering, the Animals and Human Health Certificate, was created. Since this time, the IHACPro portfolio has grown to include additional courses and certificates.

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  2009: First American Humane Endowed Chair Appointed

  Frank R. Ascione, IHAC's first Executive Director, was appointed as the first American Humane Endowed Chair, a partnership between the American Humane Association and the University of Denver.

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  2014: First IHAC Conference Held

  IHAC’s inaugural Animals on the Mind practitioner’s conference, “Transforming Trauma: Research developments and methods for trauma-informed animal-assisted interventions" took place.

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  2015: IHAC's Research Program Initiated

  Following the appointment of Director of Research, Dr. Kevin Morris, IHAC's official research program was established.

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  2017: IHAC Hosts the First Annual Research Symposium

  The student-led symposium highlights the annual accomplishments of IHAC staff and student researchers across the portfolio.

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  2023: DU Ratified Official Institute Criteria and Names IHAC as One of Six University Research Institutes

  IHAC was named as one of six inaugural research institutes at the University of Denver, following the restructuring of the University's more formal and stringent institute criteria.