(Walnut Ridge, Ark.) – Williams Baptist University is expanding its academic offerings to include a degree in agriculture. The university says its new degree, the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business, will be available starting this fall.
“WBU’s degree in agriculture business is the result of our longtime desire to address this workforce need in our region,” said Williams President Dr. Stan Norman. “Agriculture is a major component of our economy, not to mention our culture, and we are delighted to help shape the future leaders in this industry with the academically outstanding, Christ-centered education that Williams provides.”
The agriculture business degree at Williams will provide instruction in ag business, as well as data analysis and information systems for farming, including crop management, land stewardship, animal health, business operations and marketing. Among other goals, the degree is intended to provide workers in the growing field of precision agriculture.
“We have met with a number of leaders in the field of agriculture around our region, and this degree is designed to meet the needs they have expressed to us,” Norman said. “We have heard over and over again of the pressing need for good workers who can navigate an agricultural environment that is increasingly driven by technology, especially precision agriculture. WBU’s agriculture business degree is designed to educate and prepare those workers.”
Academically, students in the new degree program will take classes in plant science, animal science, entomology, soil science and agri mechanics, as well as elective courses in agriculture. The program will also feature a core of classes from WBU’s popular Department of Business, with required courses in technology, accounting, finance, management, marketing and other key business areas.
Students will also get hands-on experience at WBU’s Eagle Farms, an agricultural enterprise developed in recent years through the school’s Williams Works initiative. Eagle Farms includes a produce farm, organic egg operation and meat processing plant, with other agricultural facets planned for the future.
“We are excited to be one of the only Christian universities in the country to offer a degree in agriculture,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rhyne Putman. “Where else can an ag student learn the practical skills of his trade and also learn about the biblical and theological foundations for this kind of work? We see an opportunity for a truly integrated approach that blends the classroom with real-world experience in agriculture, science and business.”
WBU also plans to add certificate programs in agriculture and ag-related fields. Those programs allow students to take classes and receive training within a specified field and receive a certificate which demonstrates their completion of the required courses.
The new program at Williams was made possible by a grant from Arkansas’ Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) program. Gov. Sarah Sanders announced in November that WBU would receive a $1.9 million HIRED grant, a significant portion of which is funding the launch of the agriculture business degree and certificate programs in agriculture and ag-related fields.
“We are excited to partner with Gov. Sanders in preparing the next generation workforce for the state of Arkansas, and beyond,” Norman said. “The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business is just our latest opportunity to prepare young men and women who will make a difference through their lifework.”
Students in WBU’s Williams Works initiative work an average of 16 hours per week through the fall and spring semesters, and in return have their full tuition and student service fees covered. Additionally, students can apply to work full-time through the summer months to cover the following year’s room & board. Students are assigned to a variety of workstations, both on campus and in their community.
More information about the agriculture business degree is available at: https://williamsbu.edu/agribusiness/
Williams is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge. It offers more than 25 majors, covering a broad range of academic disciplines and career opportunities.
Photo attached: Williams Baptist University junior Treasure Jenni of Russellville, Ark., plants strawberries at WBU’s Eagle Farms. Jenni is a student in the Williams Works initiative.