Farm Credit Mid-America supports beyond the classroom student experiences

The $125,000 commitment will expand transformative learning opportunities at Arkansas State University's College of Agriculture.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Arkansas State University has received a $125,000 commitment from Farm Credit Mid-America to support 'Beyond the Classroom Experiences' in the College of Agriculture. These experiences include clubs, travel, entrepreneurial activities, research and discovery, as well as increased interaction between students and professionals in the credit and financial services sector.

Why it matters

The investment from Farm Credit Mid-America aligns with the College of Agriculture's strategic plan to expand beyond-the-classroom and leadership experiences for students. This partnership provides meaningful connections between students and industry professionals, helping to ensure A-State graduates are not only career-ready but community-ready.

The details

The Farm Credit Mid-America investment will strengthen the College of Agriculture's 'Beyond the Classroom Experiences' and expand activities such as farm tours, travel opportunities, research projects, entrepreneurial initiatives and engagement with agricultural and financial industry professionals. This support will help create exceptional opportunities that prepare students to be leaders in the agricultural industry.

  • The $125,000 commitment was announced on March 2, 2026.

The players

Farm Credit Mid-America

An agricultural lending organization that is committed to supporting the future of rural communities and agriculture.

Arkansas State University

A public research university located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, with a College of Agriculture that focuses on preparing students for careers in the agricultural industry.

Dr. Mickey A. Latour

The dean of the College of Agriculture at Arkansas State University.

Dr. Hunter Burnett

An assistant professor of animal science at Arkansas State University who will oversee the travel component of the Farm Credit Mid-America investment.

Mike Williams

The regional vice president of agricultural lending at Farm Credit Mid-America.

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What they’re saying

“We're honored to invest in the future of agriculture by supporting 'Beyond the Classroom Experiences' at Arkansas State's College of Agriculture. This investment is one example of our shared commitment to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders, which serves to strengthen rural communities and ensure a more vibrant future for our industry.”

— Mike Williams, Regional Vice President of Agricultural Lending (ktlo.com)

“Farm Credit Mid-America's support of 'Beyond the Classroom Experiences' helps us create exceptional opportunities that prepare students to be leaders in the agricultural industry. This partnership provides meaningful connections between our students and the professionals who are shaping the future of agriculture. It's another step toward ensuring that A-State graduates are not only career-ready but community-ready.”

— Dr. Mickey A. Latour, Dean of the College of Agriculture (ktlo.com)

“Students crave outside-of-the-classroom experiences and opportunities that set them apart or set them up for success beyond in the future workplace. As faculty, we want to provide as many opportunities as possible for these students, but it is challenging to do so on a limited budget. This opportunity, provided by Farm Credit Mid-America, allows the financial freedom for students to travel to conferences, present research, or promote A-State and the CoA.”

— Dr. Hunter Burnett, Assistant Professor of Animal Science (ktlo.com)

What’s next

The College of Agriculture plans to use the $125,000 commitment from Farm Credit Mid-America to expand its 'Beyond the Classroom Experiences' program, which will include increased student travel, research opportunities, and engagement with industry professionals.

The takeaway

This partnership between Arkansas State University's College of Agriculture and Farm Credit Mid-America demonstrates the vital connection between higher education and industry. By supporting transformative learning experiences for students, Farm Credit Mid-America is investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders and helping to ensure the future vibrancy of rural communities.