ATU to use federal funds for agri program equipment

Arkansas Tech University will use $730,000 in federal funds to provide equipment for the Farm Credit Agriculture Building on the ATU campus in Russellville.

The funds will allow for the purchase of equipment that will be utilized in animal science, plant science and agriculture mechanics and will benefit students on the agriculture business and agricultural education tracks.

The grant will also allow for the purchase of virtual and augmented reality welding systems that will help future K-12 agriculture teachers prepare for lessons they will teach in their classrooms.

“This grant will ensure Arkansas Tech students have access to equipment that is used in modern agriculture and agricultural education,” said Dr. Bryan Rank, ATU associate professor of agricultural education, ATU agriculture program director and principal investigator on the grant application. “Exposing them to this equipment and facilitating their understanding of how to use it will enhance their employability after graduation. These additions to our physical resources will put our graduates on a level playing field and forward Arkansas Tech’s reputation with employers for producing high-caliber graduates.”

ATU President Dr. Russell Jones thanked U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, for his assistance with the grant proposal.

“Arkansas Tech University is grateful to Congressman Womack for his continued support of his alma mater and agriculture in our state,” said Jones. “Our students will benefit greatly from the opportunities created by this new equipment, and in turn our state’s economy and K-12 schools will be improved by the ATU graduates who will enter the workforce better prepared to access 21st century opportunities in agriculture and agricultural education.”

ATU was founded in 1909 as the Second District Agricultural School and has offered curriculum in agriculture since its first day of class on Oct. 26, 1910.