JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas State University has been awarded a $2.6 million grant to advance agricultural research and improve animal health in the Mississippi River Delta region. Of the total funding, $1.3 million comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture under its research facilities program.
The initiative positions A-State as one of 36 universities nationwide to receive funding through the program. Leveraging its location in northeast Arkansas, a hub for agricultural production, the university plans to centralize diagnostic and analytical capabilities on campus. This expansion is expected to streamline research and improve efficiency for faculty and students.
Launched in September, the project is slated for completion by 2030. Planned developments include building a new facility on the university farm, designed to enhance research efforts within the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and support the animal science curriculum in the College of Agriculture (CoA). Additionally, the Ecotoxicology Research Facility at the Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics will undergo upgrades to support studies of animal feed quality, a critical factor in large-animal health research.
“This grant provides an exciting opportunity for the Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics, the CoA, and the CVM to collaborate on innovative research initiatives both within and across the three colleges,” said Dr. Jennifer Bouldin, dean of the Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics at A-State. With expanded facilities and new equipment, she noted, students will gain more hands-on research experience to prepare them for careers in agricultural and veterinary sciences.
Part of the funding will go toward acquiring tools to analyze organic contaminants, metals, and nutrients in animal feed. These capabilities will allow researchers to conduct comprehensive analyses on campus, reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. University officials also highlighted the importance of these advancements in supporting the health of large-animal herds, which directly impacts agricultural communities and the regional economy.
Dr. Travis Marsico, A-State vice provost for research, innovation, and discovery, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the project. “The combination of federal investment, university funds, and commitments from donors is critical for growing the research capacity through improved facilities at A-State. I’m so glad to see Dr. Bouldin and her collaborative research team be awarded this grant,” he said. Marsico also credited buy-in from university leaders, including the chancellor, provost, and vice chancellor for advancement, as key to the initiative’s development.
In addition to its research benefits, the project aims to strengthen regional ties and support the agricultural community by fostering collaboration with local industries and stakeholders. “This partnership will expand A-State’s ability to serve the region’s industries, the agricultural community, and other stakeholders by addressing real-world challenges,” Bouldin said, adding that such efforts will contribute to regional economic growth and innovation.
The funding also reflects the university’s long-term commitment to expanding its research capabilities, ensuring faculty and students have access to the resources needed to secure future grants and conduct impactful studies.
Upgrades to the Ecotoxicology Research Facility will benefit the broader research community as well, focusing on feed quality analysis to ensure proper nutrition for large-animal herds. Officials believe the project will ultimately enhance the health of agricultural products and the wellbeing of rural communities across the region.