Partnership expands poultry degree options

"We welcome the opportunity for our students to build on their excellent preparation in our poultry science program at one of the nation's top research universities," UNG Provost Chaudron Gille said. "We are grateful to Mississippi State for offering another chance for our students to build momentum as they approach their careers."

Gille and Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum recently signed the memorandum of agreement.

"I believe this will be a huge benefit for both UNG students and MSU, and I look forward to growing this partnership," said Dr. Linda Purvis, UNG associate professor of biology and director of poultry science. "I believe our students will have an amazing opportunity to continue their education at a university that focuses on students and poultry science. This gives our students more options and makes them more competitive in the long term for whatever they want to do career-wise."

According to Mississippi State, the six universities offering poultry science bachelor's degrees are producing about 115 graduates each year, well short of the 600 new positions the industry aims to fill each year. The partnership with UNG is part of the strategy to close that gap.

"Mississippi State is a national leader in poultry science education and research and one of the most transfer-friendly universities in the country. This 2+2 agreement with the University of North Georgia builds on these strengths and is a true win-win for our institutions and students," Keenum said. "We are proud to work together with great partners like UNG to support the poultry industry, which is vital to our state, region and nation."

UNG students who participate in the Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest each spring will also have the chance to learn more about Mississippi State, which hosts the event.

Mississippi State hopes to replicate the model it is building with UNG to work with other schools in the future.

"We're excited to launch this 2+2 program, which gives UNG students a clear and affordable path to earning their degree from Mississippi State University while benefiting from the strengths of both institutions," Dr. Ken Macklin, professor and head of the Mississippi State Department of Poultry Science, said. "This partnership reflects MSU's commitment to making higher education more accessible and to developing the next generation of skilled poultry science professionals."