Left to Right: Annette Hughey, Ryan Daly, Rachel Jenkins, Inna Hopkins, Sheryl Edwards, Matt McCowan, Jessica Greaves, Dr. Connie Wilson, Katie Hardy, and Hillary Frisby
Southern Arkansas University (SAU) has received a $50,000 gift from Exxon Mobil Corporation (“ExxonMobil”) to support construction of the SAU Workforce Development Center, a 4,800-square-foot facility that will train students and adult job seekers for careers in critical mineral production, advanced manufacturing, and related industries in Southwest Arkansas.
“We are deeply grateful to ExxonMobil for investing in the future workforce of Southwest Arkansas,” said Dr. Connie Wilson, vice president for advancement at Southern Arkansas University. “This gift will directly translate into hands-on training opportunities for students and job seekers who are building careers in industries growing right here in our region.”
Located next to the Natural Resource Research Center on SAU’s campus, the Center will serve as the hands-on training location for students from K-12 school districts enrolled in career and technical education workforce development programs taught by regional two-year LiTHIUMLEARNS partner institutions, such as South Arkansas College’s industrial engineering technology program and University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana’s construction technology program. Equipment procured through a grant will provide extended hands-on training opportunities for SAU engineering students and enhance SAU’s ability to deliver professional skills development programs to adults. A chemical industry training lab featuring a Polaris Hands-on Training (HOT) Unit will anchor the industry-ready program. The HOT unit is an educational model of a chemical processing unit that operates with water to provide realistic, simulated work experience on equipment used by regional critical mineral producers.
“The addition of the SAU Workforce Development Center enhances regional labor force readiness by serving as a home for existing programs,” said Sheryl Edwards, associate vice president for strategic initiatives and director of LiTHIUMLEARNS. “It also provides an opportunity for SAU to identify gaps in current programming and develop new training programs. Advanced manufacturing equipment planned for the Center will be used to not only provide critical mineral workforce-related training but also provide aerospace and defense workforce readiness training. It is really an opportunity to prepare a talent pipeline from subsurface to systems, something Southwest Arkansas is positioned to lead.”
Southwest Arkansas is experiencing increased demand for skilled labor across an emerging critical mineral industry as well as among the existing aerospace and defense industry. Collaborations among education and workforce development partners are removing barriers for citizens across Southwest Arkansas to gain the necessary skills to join the workforce in high-wage, high-demand areas.
About SAU
Southern Arkansas University provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional demands of today. As part of this commitment, SAU proudly offers the Next Step Guarantee program, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources, career guidance, and support to transition successfully from college to their chosen careers or graduate studies.
