“The state needs to have a thousand facilities like this one,” said Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin at the dedication of the Don Tyson School of Innovation Industrial Maintenance Program. “This is the template for what can be done. I haven’t seen anything like this. It is the nicest, most well-equipped facility. I thought I was at a university.”
Griffin was the featured speaker at an event that included DTSOI business partners, state legislators, school board members, district administrators, Chamber of Commerce officials and the industrial maintenance staff and students.
“Schools need to partner with the people who are doing the hiring of graduates and this school is doing just that,” Griffin added. “When a school partners with the ones who hire, it insures that what is being taught is relevant.”
Springdale District Superintendent Dr. Jared Cleveland reinforced Griffin’s thoughts. Cleveland said, “This facility was built on partnerships. It was the vision of Dr. Jim Rollins (previous superintendent) and his core team. It is the result of a lot of people working together with one purpose.”
Rodney Ellis of Tyson Foods said, “Students, be very proud to be able to work in this facility. I have been all over the United States and this is one of the best facilities in the country.”
Tyson Foods Senior Director of Maintenance and Refrigeration Mike Rogers urged the students to take full advantage of the opportunity they have been given. He said, “There are three types of people in this world: sitters, quitters and getters. Getters are successful no matter what the obstacles are. They keep going no matter what. Be a getter!”
DTSOI instructor Wes Higginson said his students “are getters. Their hearts are in the right place.”
Following the presentation there was a ribbon cutting ceremony and those in attendance were given tours of the industrial maintenance and diesel maintenance classrooms as well as a box of goodies created by DTSOI culinary arts student.
