EDMOND, OKLA. — In recognition of a successful collaboration to improve workforce development, Seaboard Foods and the Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) received the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award. The award honors higher education institutions and businesses who partner to cultivate a higher learning environment in the community.

For more than 25 years, Seaboard and OPSU have worked together to serve the Oklahoma Panhandle region.

“We have focused on growing deep relationships in the places we call home,” said Davida Gomez, community enrichment specialist at Seaboard. “With both our pork processing plant and farm operations located in the Oklahoma Panhandle, we have proudly taken an active role in supporting Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Strong educational systems build a strong community and we’re proud to invest in OPSU and its students.”

Seaboard supports local charities and provides academic resources to OPSU. The pork processor offers internships, tours and work opportunities for university students.

One opportunity is Seaboard’s “Wintership” Program that offers a hands-on experience and networking event for students looking to join the industry.

"We at OPSU are grateful to our friends at Seaboard Foods, our Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award recipient this year,” said OPSU President Julie Dinger. “We thank them for all they do to support the Aggie Nation every day.”

Seaboard and OPSU were one of 27 businesses and institution partnerships recognized for their program.