Center to train BioAg technology work force

BT Catalyst, May-June, 2005

ROBESON COMMUNITY COLLEGE (RCC) HAS DEDICATED A NEW BIOAG Center that will train a work force for agricultural applications of biotechnology in medicine, food safety, farming, forestry, marine science and environmental protection throughout southeastern North Carolina. "Robeson Community College is on the move, and the BioAg Center shows a great commitment to a new economy," said Congressman Mike McIntyre.

The purpose of the BioAg Center is to coordinate education and training activities to help ensure the state has a well-trained bioagriculture technology work force.

"North Carolina has been in the business of biotechnology mainly because of the economic strength of the agriculture industry," said Leslie Alexandre, president and CEO of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.

The BioAg Center was developed as part of the North Carolina Community College System's BioNetwork Initiative to facilitate economic development through biotechnology programs statewide.

Funding for the BioAg Center was awarded by the Golden LEAF. A grand total of $531,950 has been given to RCC for the BioAg Center since 2004. Additional funding will be provided through state and federal grants and private contributions.

A crowd of about 100 gathered in the A.D. Lewis Auditorium on RCC's campus to discuss and officially open the BioAg Center. Attendants and speakers included Ray Pennington, mayor of Lumberton; Dr. Alan Meadors, chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke; Dr. Colin Armstrong, superintendent of Robeson County Public Schools; Dr. Leslie Alexandre; Congressman Mike McIntyre; Mark Sorrells, senior vice president of Golden LEAF; and Martin Lancaster, NCCCS president.

For more information on the BioAg Center, visit www.robeson.cc.nc.us.