Wayne-Sanderson Donates $2 Million to Transform Education at the University of Georgia

Wayne-Sanderson Farms has just stepped up with an additional $2 million donation for the new Poultry Science Building at the University of Georgia. This latest contribution brings their total support to $4.1 million.

The donation will help create a 1,300-square-foot student lobby. This space will be crucial for students to collaborate and connect with industry leaders. Nick Place, the dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, expressed gratitude for Wayne-Sanderson Farms’ ongoing support. He said that this lobby would help students forge strong futures in the poultry industry, which is vital for Georgia’s economy.

Wayne-Sanderson Farms is the third-largest poultry producer in the U.S., employing over 26,000 people and partnering with more than 2,000 family farms. With 23 facilities across the Southeast, the company has long been a pillar of support for UGA’s poultry science program.

Kevin McDaniel, the CEO of Wayne-Sanderson Farms, highlighted their commitment to agriculture and emphasized the importance of the new facility. He believes it will have a lasting impact on students and researchers in the poultry industry.

The Poultry Science Building, located on UGA’s South Campus, is set to be a state-of-the-art facility. It will offer almost double the space per student compared to the previous building—growing from about 17 square feet to 28 to 30 square feet per student. The new building includes modern labs, food safety spaces for research, and essential infrastructure updates.

The project is a collaboration, funded by a $54.1 million public-private partnership. Half of this funding comes from the Georgia legislature, with support from federal grants and private donors. These combined efforts place UGA at the forefront of poultry science globally.

This ongoing investment in education reflects a growing trend in the agricultural sector. As industries increasingly recognize the need for skilled professionals, educational partnerships are becoming essential. Studies show that 70% of students who participate in internship programs in their fields are more likely to secure job offers upon graduation. With strong industry ties like those between Wayne-Sanderson Farms and UGA, students are set for success in a rapidly changing job market.

For more details about the Poultry Science Building, check out Poultry Building at UGA.

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