Tyson Foods Awards UACCM $200,000 Grant to Give Meaning Campaign
The
University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton is excited to announce
the receipt of a $200,000 grant from Tyson Foods Corporation’s Ways We Care
corporate giving program. This generous
support of the campaign gives them a naming opportunity for the workforce
training and conference space in the future Workforce Training Center.
The
Tyson processing plant in Dardanelle, AR is an industry partner with UACCM, and
several of the technical programs align with their workforce needs. Currently, six of their employees serve on
technical advisory committees for the college. These programs include industrial
mechanics and maintenance and commercial refrigeration. In addition, they serve on a focus group for
a potential diesel mechanics program, as Tyson maintains their own fleet of
trucks.
“As an Arkansas company, it’s important for us to
invest in the people of our state," said Annetta Tirey, director of
corporate social responsibility for Tyson Foods. “This training center will not
only help close the skills gap for many already in the workforce, but also
provides new opportunities for those seeking careers in high-demand job
fields."

Of the donation, UACCM Chancellor Dr. Larry Davis
said, “Our partnership with Tyson Foods has been a mutually beneficial endeavor. Almost 25% of Tyson’s maintenance staff is set
to retire over the next year. This
partnership is a great opportunity for UACCM to help fill that gap with
students who have been trained, with Tyson’s help, to exceed industry
standards. Their donation to the Give Meaning campaign, as well as their
industry partnership, helps to ensure we are able to continue to offer the most
comprehensive technical training available in Arkansas.”
The
estimated 53,000 square-feet Workforce Training Center at UACCM will house many
of the college’s existing technical programs including automotive service
technology; welding; industrial mechanics and maintenance technology; and
heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technology. In addition to
technical programs, an open space for workforce training will be included in
the facility for use in recruiting new industry to the area, as well as
assisting current industry with workforce development needs.
For more
information about the “Give Meaning” campaign, including ways to support the
fundraising efforts, visit www.uaccm.edu/GiveToUACCM, or contact UACCM
Development Officer Morgan Zimmerman at 501-977-2085 or zimmerman@uaccm.edu.
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