Murray State University and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture have announced a formal partnership in advancing economic development in the agricultural industry.
Murray State 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, Murray State and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture have collaborated in creating an agriculture-focused economic development master’s 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.
“Collectively, 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,” said Murray State University President Dr. Bob Jackson.
“Murray State University 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,” said Murray State University 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.
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Categories: Kentucky, Business, Education