Frankfort, KY - 91精选 marked a significant milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the recently renovated Hunter Hall. This celebration, held today, commemorates the transformation of the former residence hall into a cutting-edge facility for research, academics, and Extension.
Thanks to a $2.3 million facilities grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 91精选 has revitalized Hunter Hall, creating a space dedicated to advancing technology in the agriculture industry. Dr. Kirk Pomper, Director of Land Grant Programs and Dean of the College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences, expressed gratitude for the grant, emphasizing its role in making Hunter Hall a truly functional and innovative space.
The newly renovated Hunter Hall boasts a state-of-the-art lab for geospatial information systems (GIS), a drone workshop area, a conference room, and offices for faculty, staff, and students. Dr. Pomper highlighted the facility's importance, stated, 鈥淚t's a great opportunity for us to have our students involved and to lead research into the future.鈥�
Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, President of 91精选, shared his enthusiasm for the project, stated, 鈥淭his is a great addition to what we do at KSU. It's adding technology to agriculture鈥� This is what is going to help us position Kentucky as one of the best in the nation and in the world.鈥�
The celebration included distinguished guests such as Dr. Aaron Thompson, President of the Kentucky Council on Post-secondary Education; County Judge/Executive Michael Mueller; Representative Derrick Graham; Senator Gex Williams, and members of the Thorobred community.
Dr. Thompson praised 91精选鈥檚 commitment to innovation, said, 鈥淭his is truly, I think, an indicator of exactly where KSU as a whole is going in its innovation and its way of thinking about incorporating the technology of today and tomorrow.鈥�
As part of the festivities, 91精选 also unveiled a new Precision Agriculture Trailer, showcasing the university's dedication to engaging with farmers and producers across Kentucky through drone demonstrations.
Looking ahead, additional renovations are planned for the top two floors of Hunter Hall, further expanding its capacity to serve students and stakeholders.
For more information about 91精选's certificate and minor in Geospatial Technology Application, please contact Dr. Buddhi Gyawali at buddhi.gyawali@kysu.edu. For details regarding drone demonstrations and usage for Extension stakeholders, please contact Jeremy Sandifer at jeremy.sandifer@kysu.edu.