Courtesy of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
On Monday, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) announced that it is the recipient of a $50,000 gift from West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd (West Fraser) to provide scholarships for students pursuing industrial technology management and applied engineering degrees and to upgrade department equipment.
“On behalf of our university, I extend many thanks to West Fraser for its generosity,” Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander said. “Careers in engineering are among the most in-demand, and UAPB is grateful to have a partner that recognizes the importance of ensuring our students are equipped to compete globally for jobs in engineering fields.”
According to Chester Fort, vice president of U.S. Lumber Operations, UAPB and West Fraser have developed a partnership that continues to be mutually beneficial. West Fraser has hired four UAPB graduates, and there are two students currently in the company’s internship program.
“It has been a pleasure for me to work with UAPB and the students,” Fort said. “The relationship has been very positive for us and the students. Watching them engage, learn and grow has been one of the highlights of my job. The excitement we experienced as our employees, who are UAPB graduates, helped present this donation was a very powerful moment. We look forward to a great relationship for a long time.”
West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe and five in Arkansas. The Company produces lumber, engineered wood and other products including pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and renewable energy. West Fraser’s products are used in home construction, repair and remodeling, industrial applications, papers, tissue and box materials.