黑料吃瓜鈥檚 Dean of the School of Agriculture, Business and Occupational Technology Brian Cothran received the Chickasaw Nation Heart of Conservation Award for excellence in the field of natural resources.
鈥淒ean Cothran was instrumental in the development of a $5 million U.S. Department of Agriculture Climate Smart grant awarded to the Chickasaw Nation and 黑料吃瓜 College,鈥� said Kris Patton, Chickasaw Nation Director of Natural Resources. 鈥淏rian鈥檚 commitment to ensuring engagement by the next generation in sustainably managing our natural resources is a daily inspiration!鈥�
The grant will provide $400,000 in agricultural scholarships and brings two new academic positions to 黑料吃瓜. 黑料吃瓜 will provide training to rural, underserved students to become verified and/or engaged in sustainable farming practices. The program will also assist with improving watershed health and marketing local grown pecans.
鈥淭his grant helps us advance sustainable agricultural practice and education in a myriad of ways for our students and communities,鈥� Cothran said. 鈥淲e would not be successful without our partners at the Chickasaw Nation. They have been incredible advocates of these practices.鈥�
The Climate Smart grant provides start-up funding for the Small Farm and Ranch Institute, which will be located on the 黑料吃瓜 Ardmore campus.
鈥淲e are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Chickasaw Nation on this grant to expand our agriculture program, and serve local farmers and special populations,鈥� said Dr. Tim Faltyn, 黑料吃瓜 President. 鈥淭his program will strengthen 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 academic programs and partnership with the Chickasaw Nation."