Rhodes State Receives $100,000 Donation from Nutrien

Today, Rhodes State College received a $100,000 donation for the College’s new Agriculture Technology program.

“Today we are excited to announce an expanded partnership with Nutrien. Just as Nutrien transforms agriculture, our partnership will support graduates with the knowledge to drive the agricultural shifts occurring in Northwest Ohio and also globally. This lead gift supports the construction of the ‘Nutrien Agronomy Suite,’ where students will learn about soils and crop, nutrient, and pest management. The Suite will be located within the James J. Countryman Engineering Technologies Building,” said Dr. Cynthia E. Spiers, President, Rhodes State College.

The Rhodes State Agriculture Technology program will provide students with hands-on experience with precision equipment and smart technology used in farming to optimize crop yield and increase efficiencies. Agriculture Design Laboratories will be a part of the newly designed space and will include high-tech simulation and collaborative learning areas. Simulators and real-time equipment will be used for training in computers and industry developed software, planters, drones sensors, robots and smart (autonomous) vehicles.

The donation is part of the College’s Major Gifts Campaign which supports the Emerging Workforce Innovation Center at Rhodes State, which includes the Agriculture Technology program and the Borra Center for Health Sciences in downtown Lima.

“With Nutrien’s $100,000 commitment today, the Rhodes State Educate Collaborate Innovate Major Gifts campaign is at 48% of its $8 million goal. We thank Nutrien and all of the amazing people, companies and organizations who are a part of this campaign, which is leading Rhodes State College into its next 50 years,” added Spiers.

For more information about the Major Gifts Campaign, contact Kevin Reeks at reeks.k@rhodesstate.edu.