fbpx

WBU News

WBU Breaks Ground on Meat Processing Facility

WBU Board of Trustees and President "breaking ground" on meat processing facility by digging in the soil with gold shovels

Williams Baptist University officially broke ground Friday, April 8 on a 4,200 square foot meat processing facility that is scheduled to open by the end of 2022.

The facility, which will be certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), will help address the shortage of meat processors in the state of Arkansas and help train and educate new workers within the field. The facility will also provide jobs to students in WBU’s Williams Works initiative, which gives them the opportunity to work there through college to receive a debt-free degree.

“We are excited for this opportunity to grow our Williams Works initiative and fill a vital need in the state of Arkansas,” WBU President Dr. Stan Norman said. “The WBU students who will work in this facility will gain valuable experience that they can take with them into other aspects of their lives as they progress through their time at WBU and into their adult lives.”

Among those in attendance for the ground-breaking ceremony with Dr. Norman were WBU Board of Trustees Chairman Jody Smotherman, Vice-Chair JR Cox, Board Secretary Jamar Andrews,  Walnut Ridge Mayor Charles Snapp, Lawrence County Judge John Thomison, Executive Director of the Arkansas State Baptist Convention Sonny Tucker, Eagle Farms Manager Brad Flippo and other member of the WBU Board of Trustees.

The operation plans to harvest 20-25 animals per week when fully operational, bringing relief to farmers in the region who find it difficult to get into a processing facility in a timely manner. The need for additional meat processors in the state of Arkansas was evident prior to the coronavirus pandemic, and this shortage has become more pronounced in the ensuing months. 

The Arkansas Beef Council, in conjunction with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, conducted a survey of beef producers that revealed commercial cow-calf producers will be in demand in the future. 

In addition to the economic benefits of the processing plant, it will also serve as an education facility to train others in meat processing who can create additional facilities throughout the state.  The certification program will be open to any interested persons, including those not enrolled in degree programs at WBU. 

Students in the Williams Works initiative will provide much of the workforce needed to run the facility. Students in the initiative work 16 hours a week through the fall and spring semesters and in exchange for their work hours, have their cost of tuition and much of their fees covered. In addition, students have the opportunity to work through the summer to have their room and board covered for the following year, giving them a real opportunity to graduate debt-free.

Williams is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge.

WBU Joins Airport, Museum for Eclipse Programs

March 25, 2024 WBU News

Williams Baptist University is joining forces with Walnut Ridge Regional Airport and the Wings of

Read More

Jenni Crowned Miss WBU 2024

March 18, 2024 WBU News

Treasure Jenni, a Christian Ministries major from Russellville, Ark., was crowned Miss WBU Thursday, March

Read More

Head Wrestling Coach

March 18, 2024 Career Opportunities

Williams Baptist University seeks applicants for the position of Head Wrestling Coach.  The Head Coach

Read More