Williams Baptist University has announced the launch of a new bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness that students can complete in three years. WBU’s new degree, which requires 90 credit hours rather than the usual 120 hours, was recently approved by the university’s accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission.
“Our 90-hour bachelor’s in agribusiness gives students tremendous academic preparation in agriculture, business and other vital disciplines, while also giving them an expedited path to the workforce,” said WBU President Dr. Stan Norman. “We believe this to be the first such program in Arkansas, and Williams is proud to be at the forefront of this innovative approach to higher learning.”
The 3-year program was developed over the past year and approved by both faculty and trustees at WBU. The Higher Learning Commission sent a team to Williams in the fall semester to evaluate the proposal, with final approval being granted by the accrediting agency earlier this month.
Dr. Melissa Davis, associate professor of agribusiness at WBU, was instrumental in developing the new bachelor’s.
“In Governor Sanders’ Arkansas Workforce Strategy, she has encouraged better alignment of educational programs with the industry requirements and specifically asks educators to help build a pipeline of skilled workers in agriculture, as well as other in-demand career areas,” Davis said. “WBU has answered that call with our new three-year/90-credit hour degree in agribusiness.”
Davis noted that WBU’s Eagle Farms provides students with multiple opportunities for experience in agriculture. Eagle Farms operates a meat processing facility, an organic egg operation, greenhouses, the Wilcutt Memorial Garden and a produce farm where students are actively engaged in agricultural-related experiences as part of the university’s Williams Works initiative.
“Agriculture and business coursework will involve hands-on experiences, including internships, contact with local community partners and other real-world application of concepts,” she said. “Students in the agribusiness program will complete the same general education coursework as all other students, providing them with knowledge in a broad range of subjects.”
Williams now offers two bachelor’s degrees in the field of agriculture business. The university launched a traditional, 120-hour bachelor’s in agribusiness this year, and now students will have the option of the 90-hour program, as well.
“We welcome any prospective student with an interest in agriculture and/or business to apply,” Davis said. “We will offer the necessary knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the workforce and are not concerned with whether a student has agriculture experience prior to enrollment at Williams. Anyone wishing to contribute to our agriculture community is strongly encouraged to visit our campus and speak with us about what WBU has to offer.”
Incoming WBU students can also apply for Williams Works. Students in Williams Works agree to work 16 hours per week through the school year, and in return their full tuition and student service fees are covered. They can also apply to work full-time through the summer to pay for their room & board the following year. Williams Works students who major in agribusiness are assigned a workstation on Eagle Farms, in order to gain experience in their field of study.
Williams is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge