Farm Credit Mid-America is investing $125,000 in Arkansas State University’s College of Agriculture to expand its “Beyond the Classroom Experiences” initiative. The funding will help students deepen their understanding of agriculture through hands-on learning that includes travel, entrepreneurial ventures, research projects and leadership development.
Through this partnership, students in the College of Agriculture will gain exposure to real-world challenges and innovations shaping the future of farming while building connections with professionals in the agricultural and financial industries. The investment reflects Farm Credit Mid-America’s ongoing commitment to cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders and strengthening the link between higher education and the agriculture industry.
“Farm Credit Mid-America’s support of ‘Beyond the Classroom Experiences’ helps us create exceptional experiences that prepare students to be leaders in the agricultural industry,” said Dr. Mickey A. Latour, dean of the College of Agriculture. “These opportunities for students to gain hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world examples and agricultural leadership possibilities are at the heart of what we do. This partnership will provide meaningful connections between our students and the professionals who are shaping the future of agriculture. It’s another step toward ensuring that A-State graduates are not only career-ready but community-ready.”
Established in 2020, the College of Agriculture’s strategic plan prioritized “Beyond the Classroom Experiences” to give students real-world opportunities in research and leadership. Farm Credit Mid-America’s investment will further strengthen these experiences, helping students explore innovation, finance and sustainability in agriculture.
“We’re honored to invest in the future of agriculture by supporting ‘Beyond the Classroom Experiences’ at Arkansas State’s College of Agriculture,” said Mike Williams, regional vice president of agricultural lending at Farm Credit Mid-America. “This investment is one example of our shared commitment to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders, which serves to strengthen rural communities and ensure a more vibrant future for our industry.”
Farm Credit Mid-America’s mission to secure the future of rural communities and agriculture aligns closely with the goals of the College of Agriculture. Many Arkansas State University agriculture students come from rural backgrounds and aspire to return to their communities to advance agricultural innovation and leadership.
“Partnerships like this highlight the vital connection between higher education and the industry,” Latour added. “We are deeply grateful for Farm Credit Mid-America’s investment in our students and their belief in the work we’re doing through the Agricultural Academy.”
