Hutson School of Agriculture receives prestigious 2024 Chamber of Commerce Agriculture award

MURRAY, Ky. – The Murray State University Hutson School of Agriculture (HSOA) has been recognized by the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce with the prestigious 2024 Chamber of Commerce Agriculture award at the 2024 Annual Business Celebration Awards Ceremony.

The longstanding collaboration between the HSOA and the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in the growth and success of many of the efforts in the HSOA. The Breakfast on the Farm partnership is especially beneficial in connecting with the local community and showcasing the importance of agriculture in the region. This event not only provides educational opportunities for the public but also fosters a sense of community engagement and support for the HSOA programs.

"In the HSOA, we take great pride in our growth and commitment to providing a comprehensive education to our approximately 1,400 students across our three academic departments. This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our faculty and staff, who strive to provide an exceptional learning environment for our students," said Dr. Brian Parr, dean of the Hutson School of Agriculture. “We are grateful for the recognition and encouragement from the Chamber of Commerce, which motivates us to continue our pursuit of excellence in agricultural education."

Additionally, the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce has been an important supporter of the Murray State University School of Veterinary Medicine proposal. With their assistance, Murray State University has made significant progress in bringing this proposal to fruition. The establishment of a veterinary school at Murray State University will not only enhance academic offerings, but will also greatly benefit the region by addressing the growing need for veterinary professionals. The support toward this initiative demonstrates the Chamber’s commitment to the development of the community and the agricultural industry as a whole. Murray State University was recently appropriated $60 million from the Commonwealth of Kentucky to build a Veterinary Sciences Building in conjunction with these efforts.

"Agriculture is the backbone of our community and the lifeblood of our local economy. Recognizing the Hutson School of Agriculture's pivotal role in establishing a new School of Veterinary Medicine at our 2024 Annual Business Celebration Awards Ceremony is not just a celebration but a vital acknowledgment of their significant contributions. We are honored to spotlight their achievements and support their continued growth,” said Michelle Bundren, President/CEO of the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce. 

“Once again, we are thankful for this prestigious award the HSOA has received. We value our partnership with the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce and look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the agricultural industry and the wider community,” said Parr.

For more information on the Murray State University Hutson School of Agriculture visit https://bit.ly/3yrOgAO.