Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
UA Cossatot proposes to develop and implement a new degree program in Livestock Management and Production (LM&P). The program will contribute to broader institutional efforts to (1) augment the quality of postsecondary instruction; (2) align its programming with the region's labor market needs related to the livestock industry; and (3) create equitable training and career opportunities for the region's growing Hispanic population. The proposal will prioritize leadership development to ensure degree completers are prepared and equipped to navigate work-related challenges, make informed choices to ensure business success, and fill leadership roles within agricultural-related professions.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
Objectives include: 1) Designing a full Livestock Production and Management (LP&M) program that leads to an AAS degree, as well as a Technical Certificate in Farm Management and stackable credentials; 2) Preparing LP&M students for roles in agriculture through leadership development and mentoring; and 3) Enhancing UA Cossatot's recruitment and retention services to support underrepresented students seeking careers in livestock management. Planned activities are aligned with the following HSI Education Priority Need Areas: 1) Attract and support underrepresented undergraduate students to prepare them for FANH-related careers; 2) Enhance the quality of postsecondary instruction; and 3) Provide opportunities and access to food and agricultural careers in the public, non-profit and private sectors. Working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), as well as local farms and ranches, LEAD will prepare future Arkansas farmers and agricultural professionals to navigate industry-related challenges and be leaders in their respective fields.
Project Methods
Program Development (with Industry Collaboration). LEAD will develop courses and training opportunities that are responsive to current and emerging industry needs. UA Cossatot's Agriculture Department has an extensive network of external industry and business partners who are committed to accelerating student advancement toward the attainment of industry-recognized credentials and prepared employment. Those partners will provide crucial industry input (via advisory meetings and skills surveys) to ensure that the planned curriculum, including work-based learning and internships, aligns with workplace skills that employers require. At the end of Year 1, the project team will submit all curriculum proposals to the College's curriculum committee for approval. The official launch date for the enhanced curriculum will be Fall 2025.Experiential Learning. Experiential learning activities will be central to the development of livestock related skills and integrated throughout the curriculum. For example, each course will include approximately five (5) hands-on labs (sometimes called "wet-labs") requiring students to work with each species. LP&M students will also partner with local farmers/ranchers to fulfill program requirements, including a 4-hour internship which will provide LP&M students with work experience under the supervision of a livestock facilities manager. Experiential learning activities will also be available through a new Summer Bridge Program, allowing up to 15 7th-10th grade students to learn about livestock management. Current students will work alongside faculty and partners to plan and administer the event.Faculty Credentialing. All UA Cossatot faculty are required to complete four professional development activities per year. Funding from this grant will enable agriculture faculty and staff to complete those requirements by acquiring certifications related to livestock operations (e.g., ultrasound, PEMF, laser therapy, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, thermography, drones, etc.). Acquiring these certifications will not only contribute to instructional improvements but ensure faculty have the requisite competencies for delivering specialized instruction in fields related to livestock operations. Project leadership anticipates that up to three faculty members will each be able to complete seven certifications over the four-year performance period. Many of the trainings are online, self-paced, and can accommodate faculty teaching schedules.Purchase Industry-relevant Equipment/Supplies. UA Cossatot will purchase highly detailed animal models and other training supplies, providing students with hands-on experience and knowledge prior to practicing on live animals. Models are paired with training curricula to foster a deeper understanding of animal management and ensure the development of skills appropriate for each species. See Budget Justification for itemized supplies, quantity, and costs.Leadership Development. Leadership development will not be a siloed activity but a cross-cutting value that extends across the LP&M program. Leadership activities will include: 1). Community Service; 2) Soft Skill Development; 3) and Mentoring.Community Service. UA Cossatot will leverage its current Collegiate FFA chapter to participate in community service events and promote agricultural literacy. Students will also elect officers, conduct monthly meetings, and attend conferences/events. In year two of the grant period, UA Cossatot will also establish a chapter of the American Collegiate Horsemen's Association (ACHA). ACHA's mission is to unite collegiate horsemen of all levels and disciplines through the promotion of leadership, education, service, and national affiliations.Soft Skill Development. Through the Center of Student Success, LEAD will provide all LP&M students with soft-skills workshops which cover time management, communication, email etiquette, financial literacy, and leadership. These workshops will be required of all students and must be completed before the commencement of their 4-hour internship.Mentoring. Mentoring activities will occur across various program components and with different mentors (faculty and employers) to accelerate skill development and a broader understanding of the agricultural industry. Activities are specifically designed to achieve the outcomes associated with student success and promote a greater sense of belonging and achievement. See the attached Mentorship Plan for a description of mentoring activities as well as a timeline for their completion.Partner with USDA NRCS. UA Cossatot will partner with the local USDA NRCS representative who will assist in the creation and institutionalization of experiential learning and leadership opportunities that complement the knowledge students gain in the classroom. The NRCS will also have an active role on the LP&M advisory board and help organize and host planned summer bridge camps.