Delaware Valley University (DelVal) will get a new poultry science center on its main campus in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
DelVal officials felt the new facility would be beneficial to the university, the students and the greater poultry industry. Growth in the industry has resulted in an increased demand for students educated in poultry science, and leaders within the industry have identified difficulties in filling critical roles within their operations. Those include positions in mid-management, food safety, marketing, supply chain practices and more.
When completed, the new poultry science center will provide hands-on learning through DelVal’s experimental learning program, Experience360. It will also enable the university to begin a minor program in poultry science.
“Animal science students at DelVal work directly with animals from year one of their studies,” said Dr. Broc Sandelin, dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. “We will be launching a new minor in poultry science focused on preparing students with the management and practical skills needed for success in this growing industry. The new state-of-the-art facility will provide the opportunity for hands-on education in all stages of poultry production as well as providing space for industry driven research projects and potential testing of new poultry products and equipment coming to the market.”
Mountaire provides cornerstone funding
The fundraising process for the new facility got started in earnest with a cornerstone gift from Mountaire Farms, the fourth largest poultry company in the United States with operations in Arkansas, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.
The gift will only be part of a continued relationship between the company and the University.
“We are excited about the opportunity to work directly with Delaware Valley University to ensure that the poultry industry will have a well-educated and trained workforce moving forward,” said Phillip Plylar, president of Mountaire Farms.
“DelVal was founded more than 125 years ago on the premise of experiential education, or learning by doing,” said Dr. Benjamin Rusiloski, President of Delaware Valley University. “Regardless of the major, our students learn the science and practice in their field of study. The relationship with Mountaire Farms will also provide additional internship opportunities for our students to prepare for success upon graduation.”
Fundraising efforts continue
According to the university press release, DelVal officials continue to speak with potential partners in the poultry industry to bring the project to completion.
Anyone interested in making a donation or learning more about the endeavor can contact the DelVal Office of Development and Alumni Affairs at [email protected], or call +1.610.489.2397.
