New Partnership Between UNG and Mississippi State Enhances Poultry Science Education

The University of North Georgia (UNG) has officially partnered with Mississippi State University (MSU) to expand educational opportunities in poultry science for its students. This innovative collaboration establishes a 2+2 agreement that allows students to transition smoothly from UNG’s poultry science program to MSU, one of the nation’s leading institutions in this field.

Building Career Pathways with Industry Leaders

UNG Provost Chaudron Gille expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its significance in enhancing students’ readiness for professional careers. “We welcome the opportunity for our students to build on their excellent preparation in our poultry science program at one of the nation’s top research universities,” Gille stated. “We are grateful to Mississippi State for offering another chance for our students to build momentum as they approach their careers.”

Memorandum of Agreement Signed

The agreement was formalized in a recent signing ceremony by Gille and MSU President Mark E. Keenum. During this event, Keenum highlighted the benefits of the collaboration, noting that it not only supports UNG students but also strengthens MSU’s commitment to advancing poultry science education. “This 2+2 agreement builds on these strengths and is a true win-win for our institutions and students,” he remarked.

Closing the Industry Gap

Mississippi State reports that the six universities currently offering poultry science bachelor’s degrees produce roughly 115 graduates annually, which is significantly lower than the 600 new positions the poultry industry seeks to fill each year. The partnership with UNG is a strategic initiative aimed at addressing this gap and ensuring that students are adequately prepared for the workforce.

Opportunities Galore for Students

Dr. Linda Purvis, UNG associate professor of biology and director of poultry science, shared her optimism about the collaboration. “I believe this will be a huge benefit for both UNG students and MSU, and I look forward to growing this partnership,” she said. She emphasized that the agreement presents excellent opportunities for students at both institutions to further their education and enhance their career competitiveness.

National Poultry Judging Contest and Future Endeavors

UNG students will also have the unique opportunity to participate in the Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest, hosted annually by Mississippi State. This experience will provide valuable insights into the programs and resources available at MSU.

Furthermore, Mississippi State aims to replicate this successful model with other educational institutions in the future, broadening the scope of available poultry science programs across the nation.

Commitment to Accessible Education

“We’re excited to launch this program, which gives UNG students a clear and affordable path to earning their degree from Mississippi State University while benefiting from the strengths of both institutions,” said Dr. Ken Macklin, professor and head of the Mississippi State Department of Poultry Science. He underscored MSU’s commitment to making higher education more accessible while cultivating the next generation of professionals in the poultry science field.

Source

For more details, visit the original article from the University of North Georgia.