Averett University recently announced that Virginia “Ginger” Henderson ’87, associate professor of equestrian studies, has been inducted into the Intercollegiate Dressage (IDA) Hall of Fame. According to the IDA, the award recognizes outstanding service in an administrative capacity to the functioning of the organization.

“This year’s recipient epitomizes the spirit of service,” the IDA said in a news release. “She is a founding board member, regional representative, past organizer of Nationals, coach, development officer and coordinator of the USDF Quiz Challenge.”

Henderson, who has taught at Averett since 2006, has served as coach of the university’s IDA team for many years. In 2011, she was named IDA Coach of the Year after being nominated by her team and voted on by the association. She has served on the IDA National Board of Directors and held the position of regional representative for Region I.

She is certified as an ARIA level III dressage and level I eventing instructor. She is also certified as both a mental health and equine specialist through EAGALA, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. In addition, Henderson is licensed in Virginia as a mental health counselor.

Without hours of volunteerism, IDA could not function in its daily operations as a 501c3 organization on both the national and regional level. Every year the organization honors an outstanding individual and presents them with a plaque.