The University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff have agreed to form a partnership they hope will help fill a need for more graduates in the poultry sciences.
The “3+1 course curriculum” collaboration allows for agriculture majors with an animal science option at UAPB to take poultry science classes at the UA as seniors.
Those courses will be recognized by UAPB’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, and count toward degree requirements. At the same time, those students will earn a Poultry Science Undergraduate Certificate of Excellence from the UA.
“As the state’s flagship university, we are proud to work within our borders and form this partnership with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff,” said Provost Sharon Gaber. “The poultry industry has indicated there is a need for a more qualified workforce. This is an opportunity for us to help develop young professionals.”
Completion of the certificate requires 26 to 28 hours of poultry science credit.
“This partnership takes advantage of areas of strength in two University of Arkansas system universities. It gives students the opportunity to pursue a course of study tailored to their interests.” said UAPB Chancellor Laurence Alexander.
Mike Kidd, head of poultry science at the UA, said there are more jobs available in the poultry industry than can be filled with the graduates around the country.
“In reality, this is a partnership between the two universities and the poultry industry. In order to meet industry needs, we’re going to get creative and do things like this,” Kidd said.
Representatives from local poultry companies attended the signing of agreement ceremony in Fayetteville on Sept. 13.
“It is good for the industry,” said Monte Henderson, former president of George’s Inc.
Frank Myers, director of breeder operations for Simmons Foods, said the search for good talent is always ongoing.
“We are excited and see this as an opportunity to draw in talent that wasn’t possible before,” Myers said.
Tyson Foods agreed, adding that talent is the lifeblood in need for continued success for the industry.