FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2025
For questions or more information please contact.:
Amber Childers, Associate Vice Chancellor for College Advancement
Arkansas State University Three Rivers, One College Circle, Malvern, AR, 72104
Office: (501)332-0234, Fax:(501)332-4100
amber@asutr.edu
WEST FRASER FULFILLS $150,000 PLEDGE TO ASU THREE RIVERS
MALVERN, ARKANSAS – In 2023, timber company, West Fraser, pledged $150,000 to Arkansas State University Three Rivers. The pledge was paid out over a three-year period, with the third installment being presented to the College on Tuesday.
The two entities first established their partnership in 2017 when ASU Three Rivers began providing leadership training for the four Arkansas West Fraser mills. As a result of the success of that training, the partnership grew to developing West Fraser’s millwrights and electricians. The College provides the West Fraser Qualified Millwright and Electrician Training Program for West Fraser employees in the US South.
“West Fraser and the Arkansas State University Three Rivers have enjoyed a productive relationship for many years. The university is a source of employees for our business and a center of skills training for many of our local team members, helping strengthen our competitive position in the industry,” said Darren Brkic, Regional Manager, West Fraser. “We are excited to present this donation and look forward to seeing the university continue to thrive as a healthy modern learning institution, benefiting students, the local community and regional businesses.”
Scott Sikora, ASU Three Rivers Workforce Development Director said, “ASU Three Rivers appreciates West Fraser's recognition of the mutual benefits that a partnership between industry and higher education can bring."
The College will renovate the building next to the CAST Building located on MLK Boulevard that formerly housed El Parian Restaurant. The College plans to incorporate more workforce development training space into the renovation.
“This is an exciting day for ASU Three Rivers,” ASU Three Rivers Chancellor, Dr. Steve Rook said, noting that the partnership between the College and West Fraser was the seed that helped the Workforce Development program grow into such an important facet of what the college now has to offer—both to students, and to businesses and organizations whose employees receive essential instruction.
For more information about what ASU Three Rivers can offer your business, visit Arkansas State University Three Rivers, One College Circle, Malvern, or call 501-332-0249.
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