Wayne-Sanderson gives $250K to poultry program

Wayne-Sanderson Farms has made a generous gift of $250,000 to support the development of the poultry workforce at the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Gainesville Campus. This support will significantly elevate educational momentum and opportunities for students.

The collaboration demonstrates the power of industry-academic partnerships in shaping the future workforce.

At the heart of this partnership is Dr. Linda Purvis, associate professor of biology and poultry science. Purvis’s passion and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in driving this project forward. Her commitment to providing hands-on learning experiences for students has not only highlighted the importance of the poultry industry in Georgia but has also emphasized the need for modern, state-of-the-art facilities to train the next generation of leaders in agriculture and beyond.

"This gift is transformational for our students and community. I am incredibly thankful for Wayne-Sanderson’s commitment to providing top-notch education for poultry science students at UNG," Purvis said. "This will cement poultry science on this campus for years to come while providing top-of-the-line education and practical industry applications to prepare our students for the workforce."

Equally pivotal to this project's success is Michael Crump, senior vice president and general manager of the fresh business unit for Wayne-Sanderson Farms. His leadership and the company’s commitment to education reflect a broader vision of fostering talent that will contribute to the continued growth and innovation of the poultry industry. This significant gift is about investing in students and the future of the industry.

"Wayne-Sanderson Farms is excited about partnering with UNG and contributing to the continued growth of your agricultural department. We truly value the graduates of your program, whether they join us through our internship program or in direct entry-level roles," Crump said during the check presentation earlier this year at the Gainesville Campus. "They represent a vital part of our future, and we are proud to support the development of such talented individuals. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be part of your ongoing growth and success."

This partnership between UNG and Wayne-Sanderson Farms is an example of how collaboration can drive progress, inspire innovation and create opportunities for students from all backgrounds.

About University of North Georgia

Positioned in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia comprises five campuses united by a single mission focused on academic excellence and academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. With more than 19,000 students, the University of North Georgia is one of the state's largest public universities. The university offers more than 100 programs of study ranging from certificate and associate degrees to doctoral programs.

About Wayne-Sanderson Farms

Wayne-Sanderson Farms is an industry leader and the nation’s third-largest poultry producer, serving customers, consumers and communities with integrity, leadership and responsible farm, workplace and business practices. With a diverse portfolio of products, a strong operating culture and an industry-leading workforce of more than 27,000 people and over 2,000 farm partners, Wayne-Sanderson Farms owns and operates 24 fresh and further-processing facilities across Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas. Wayne-Sanderson Farms produces affordable, high-quality poultry products for retail, foodservice, restaurant, industrial and institutional segments under the brand names of SANDERSON FARMS®, COVINGTON FARMS®, NAKED TRUTH®, BUFFALOOS®, FLY’N SAUCERS®, CRISPY FLIERS®, PLATINUM HARVEST®, CHEF’S CRAFT®, WAYNE FARMS®, and WAYNE-SANDERSON FARMS®. Wayne-Sanderson Farms is proud to be the "Official Chicken of the Southeastern Conference (SEC)." For more information, visit WayneSandersonFarms.com or follow Wayne-Sanderson Farms on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.