ATHENS, GA. — The University of Georgia cut the ribbon on its new poultry science building on Oct. 6, which sits on its main campus in Athens, Ga.

The new $54.1 million facility increased the size of the university’s existing poultry science center to more than 70,000 square feet.

The complex will feature instructional and lab space, provide centralized student-focused facilities and help attract and retain world-class researchers.

“The University of Georgia is a land-grant institution that serves our entire state through teaching, research and service, and UGA’s strong relationship with the poultry industry exemplifies this land-grant mission,” UGA President Jere W. Morehead said. “The new Poultry Science Building that we are dedicating today represents what is possible when private donors and government, industry and university leaders all work together to advance agriculture and higher education in our state.”

Several prominent poultry companies provided crucial gifts to complete the building.

The Luther and Susie Harrison Foundation pledged $3 million toward the project in Dec. 2022, the largest single gift for the building at the time.

On its social media pages, Wayne-Sanderson Farms announced that it donated $1.1 million to complete the state-of-the-art facility.

During the dedication, Morehead announced that one of the spaces inside the building would be named the “Abit Massey Classroom” for a UGA alumnus and president emeritus of the Georgia Poultry Federation.

Other attendees of the dedication ceremony included Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Nick Place, dean and director of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

“We know the prosperity of our agriculture industry is not just essential for our farming families, it’s essential for our state’s economic success,” Kemp said. “Not only is agriculture our largest industry, but Georgia is the top poultry producing state in the United States. That accomplishment is made possible by the incredible work done by the UGA poultry science department faculty, staff and students, who for years have made this program a powerful resource to our poultry producers.”

With the updates, the complex will support more student recruitment efforts and expand youth programs like FFA and 4-H.