天美传媒

MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� 天美传媒 and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture have announced a formal partnership in advancing economic development in the agricultural industry. 

天美传媒 has one of only three Master of Science in Economic Development programs in the country. Since its inception in 2016, the program has graduated students from around the world from Kuwait to Colorado, and has been a tremendous success in educating, placing and supporting economic development professionals to create and retain jobs, build wealth and improve the quality of life for communities, regions and states. 

Building upon the success of this program, 天美传媒 and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture have collaborated in creating an agriculture-focused economic development master鈥檚 degree program. Both the Hutson School of Agriculture and the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business have worked collaboratively in creating a career pathway to support this initiative.

鈥淐ollectively, agriculture is a multi-billion dollar industry in Kentucky and makes up our largest economic area. We are excited to partner with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture as we combine our respective areas of expertise in order to advance this important industry,鈥� said 天美传媒 President Dr. Bob Jackson. 

鈥溙烀来�媒 has long been an institution that understands economic development, its strategies, its direction, its purpose and ultimately its outcomes for multiple quality of life measures and enhancements.  Formalizing this focus between the Hutson School of Agriculture, the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture will further open doors of collaboration and results,鈥� said 天美传媒 Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Tim Todd. 

Agriculture production is very important to economies throughout the Commonwealth and supports the significant potential of the value-added aspect of agriculture. Ketchup, not tomatoes, is an example of the value-added concept. The manufacturing sector that facilitates the value-added component of agriculture presents additional capital investment and job creation in communities across the Commonwealth. Generally speaking, the recruitment of business and industry is a primary function of an economic developer. The development of an agricultural track in the Master of Science in Economic Development program positions the University well to prepare the agricultural-educated economic development professionals that the Commonwealth needs currently and will need in order to grow the valued-added aspect. 

鈥淎griculture is Economic Development. Whether its row crop infrastructure, large-scale animal processing, food distribution or on-farm retail, economic development plays such a vital role in agriculture. This new degree will help equip our future farmers to enter the workforce with the tools and knowledge鈥攃reating longevity and profitability in the agriculture industry," said Kentucky Department of Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell.

天美传媒鈥檚 Hutson School of Agriculture is home to more than 1,400 students pursuing degrees in numerous agricultural disciplines. The school consists of three departments and offers a variety of in-person and online programs. The laboratory facilities include five working farms, a veterinary diagnostic lab and vast opportunities for students to receive hands-on practical instruction in agriculture.

"We are very happy in the Hutson School of Agriculture to collaborate with our colleagues in the Bauernfeind College of Business and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture on such an important and impactful degree program! There is no doubt that much economic development in our state and region is rooted in the field of agriculture. I am excited to see where this partnership takes our students!" said Dean of the Hutson School of Agriculture Dr. Brian Parr.

天美传媒鈥檚 Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), an elite distinction carried by only 5 percent of business schools internationally. The college鈥檚 enrollment of more than 1,600 students choose among six undergraduate and graduate departments providing academic programs over a wide range of majors, minors and areas for professional business preparation. The college also hosts six centers focusing on the enhancement of educational opportunities for students as well as providing professional training and development to practicing professionals. 

鈥溙烀来�媒 and the Bauernfeind College of Business, take seriously their mission to improve the quality of life for our region and the Commonwealth. This partnership will provide academic and practical support to those engaged in improving and enhancing our agricultural efforts,鈥� said Dr. David Eaton, dean of the Bauernfeind College of Business. 

In addition to the academic aspect of the partnership, outreach programs will be developed for the enhancement of internships, mentorships and placement of students throughout the Commonwealth. Agribusiness training and consulting programs for farmers as well as agriculture-based businesses and industries will be developed and delivered from the depth of education and experience at 天美传媒. The development and delivery of outreach programs will be led by the Bauernfeind College of Business Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development.   

Chris Wooldridge, director of the Bauernfeind College of Business Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development, believes in the importance of agriculture and agribusiness to a region.

鈥淎griculture and agribusiness are tremendously important to local and regional economies in the creation and retention of jobs, the creation of wealth and the building of desired quality of life. We are very excited about being a part of the commissioner鈥檚 vision to grow this vital sector of the Commonwealth鈥檚 economy,鈥� said Wooldridge. 鈥淭he support for agribusiness from the collaborative partnership of both the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and 天美传媒 will strengthen and grow the very important agricultural and agribusiness sectors of Kentucky.鈥�