FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky State University (KSU) on Friday celebrated the rededication of its Rufus B. Atwood Research Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Established in 1986 and closed in 2012 because of severe water damage, the Atwood Research Facility officially reopened after an extensive two-year renovation. This project, valued at $7.4 million, was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The state-of-the-art facility will be home to agricultural and environmental education at KSU consisting of 14 research laboratories, classrooms, a teaching laboratory, and offices for 30 faculty and staff and approximately 100 students.
U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06), Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles and local officials participated in the ceremony.
“Today is a great day for the KSU student body, faculty and the future of agriculture in the commonwealth. The Atwood Research Facility will equip students with the skills and education to flourish in the local, national, and global agricultural economy,” Barr said.
“I have no doubt the Atwood Research Facility will play a key role in further solidifying Kentucky’s reputation as a center of agricultural innovation,” Quarles said.
Dr. Elaine Farris, KSU Board of Regents chair, was in attendance for the historic occasion.
“This renovation represents more than just the state-of-the-art classrooms and teaching laboratories for the College of Agriculture, Communities, and the Sciences,” Farris said. “It represents the hope of our future and unlimited opportunities for our faculty, and most importantly, our students.”
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