Stressing the importance of partnerships that benefit students as well as South Arkansas, Dr. Trey Berry, president of Southern Arkansas University, led a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the First Financial Bank Poultry Education Facility on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, according to a university press release.
Berry welcomed representatives of First Financial Bank of El Dorado and Farm Bureau Insurance, as well as SAU alumni, faculty, and staff, to the ceremony on the north side of the Agriculture Center.
Photo courtesy of SAU
“This day is not only about a building, but also our students and our future,” said Berry. “This building represents many things to SAU, including the dedication and vision of several great education partners. It also represents our commitment to agriculture education. That dedication will not slow down. You see it right now all around you. The future of agriculture education is bright.”
He thanked SAU’s many partners in enhancing its poultry studies curriculum. “First Financial has been our partner since Day One. They have been a longtime leader in the poultry industry, and we thank them for their support,” Berry said.
Chris Hegi, CEO of First Financial, congratulated SAU on its program and facility. “We have been making poultry loans for 30 plus years, and I can tell you, there is nothing else like this facility. Hats off to all for a job well done.”
Hegi said the new building represents the University’s agricultural roots. “We hope to find additional partnerships moving forward. I am convinced that this investment will pay dividends for years to come for the poultry industry,” he said.
Larry Daniel, an SAU alumnus and recently retired from Pilgrim’s Pride, addressed the importance of training students for work in the poultry industry. “We often have to train new employees on the technical side,” he said, “but this program will allow us to hire graduates who can hit the ground running.” The curriculum will “give students a leg up” with a good understanding of industry principles, Daniel said.
