A-State College of Agriculture’s strategic vision for state workforce

Arkansas’ agricultural heritage is more than tradition — it’s the foundation of our economy, communities and higher education. In 1909, four agricultural schools were established across Arkansas. Arkansas State University, then known as the First District Agricultural School was among them. Because of that legacy, we see it as our responsibility to help tackle our state’s evolving challenges.

Employers across industries want graduates who can solve complex problems, adapt to new technology and communicate effectively — skills that go beyond traditional classroom training. Addressing these needs is central to our mission and shapes our work in the A-State College of Agriculture.

Our strategic plan is built around “Experiencing Agriculture Beyond the Classroom” as our defining theme. It sets goals to expand enrollment, improve facilities, strengthen industry partnerships and deliver truly hands-on, high-impact educational experiences. It also emphasizes developing focus areas tailored to Arkansas’ needs ensuring students graduate ready to solve real-world problems.

One of the clearest examples of this vision in action is our partnership with Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry. Arkansas has the highest rate of childhood food insecurity in the nation, with one in four children — more than 168,000 — affected. Students don’t just study food systems, they take direct responsibility for addressing this urgent need by producing shelf-stable snack sticks from locally harvested venison. They lead every step of the process: recipe development, food safety testing, refining drying conditions, packaging design and meeting the requirements of Arkansas’ first state-approved facility of its kind.

What started locally now has statewide reach, supplying high-protein, shelf-stable snacks to food-insecure children in communities across Arkansas. Last year alone, students produced over 25,000 snack sticks. Our SnackStick365 initiative aims to deliver these products year-round, sourcing additional proteins and maintaining supply beyond deer season.

Students also learn to think like entrepreneurs. They develop business plans, test market strategies and compete in regional events like the Governor’s Cup, refining their ideas and pitching them professionally. This education blends science, production and business acumen, which prepares graduates to solve pressing challenges while supporting Arkansas communities.

This model of applied learning and partnership-driven problem-solving runs throughout the college. Beyond snack sticks, students work on research tackling challenges like sustainable water management, regenerative agriculture, precision farming and crop genetics. Initiatives such as the Judd Hill and Riceland Scholars programs pair students with faculty mentors and industry partners to develop practical solutions with real impact. One of our newest opportunities is the JB Penn trading platform where students are engaged in real commodity trading, one of the first of its kind. 

We also emphasize leadership, communication and professional development. Programs like the Agriculture Academy help students build the soft skills they need — negotiating with buyers, managing teams or engaging with community stakeholders. Across all our offerings, the focus is the same: equipping graduates not just with knowledge but with the confidence, adaptability and experience to apply it in the real world.

Supporting Arkansas’ workforce also means reaching students at every stage of life. Many have family obligations or jobs that make attending in person difficult. Our expanding online degree-completion programs help these students finish what they started without leaving their communities keeping talent in rural areas while meeting employers’ needs for skilled workers.

This work aligns with Arkansas State University’s broader economic mission. The university contributes approximately $2.5 billion annually to the state’s economy. Every dollar the state of Arkansas invests in A-State returns over $7 in economic benefit from operations and student spending to the impact of alumni working across the state. Higher education is not just about credentials; it is a critical driver of economic development, workforce readiness and community resilience.

At the College of Agriculture, our role is to honor that 1909 founding mission while preparing graduates for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges. That means offering hands-on learning, applied research, entrepreneurial training and community partnerships that turn classroom lessons into practical solutions. It also means opening doors for students from all walks of life knowing they will be the backbone of Arkansas’ agricultural industry and essential in addressing persistent food insecurity. 

Meeting Arkansas’ needs requires this commitment and continued collaboration across education, industry and government. It’s work we take seriously and work we’re eager to continue with all who share that vision for the state’s future.

Editor’s note: Mickey LaTour is dean of the Arkansas State University College of Agriculture. The opinions expressed are those of the author.