ATHENS, GA. — The University of Georgia (UGA) confirmed it recently received an additional $2 million gift for its new poultry science building from Wayne-Sanderson Farms.

With the latest contribution, the poultry company has donated $4.1 million in support of the project.

The gift will facilitate naming of the poultry science building’s student lobby, which is a 1,300-square-foot space designed for students to study and network with industry partners.

“The UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) is continually grateful for our partnership with Wayne-Sanderson Farms, and this new gift to support our student lobby showcases their commitment to the future of the poultry industry,” said Nick Place, CAES dean and director. “This space fosters collaboration and gives students a space to prepare for their future careers, which will ultimately serve to make Georgia’s poultry industry stronger, more resilient and successful as these students take the reins as leaders.”

Wayne-Sanderson Farms, the third-largest poultry business in the United States, has been a longtime supporter of the CAES Department of Poultry Science at UGA.

“At Wayne-Sanderson Farms, we are proud to invest in the future of agriculture and contribute to the continued strength of Georgia’s poultry industry,” said Kevin McDaniel, president and chief executive officer of Wayne-Sanderson Farms. “This state-of-the-art facility and student lobby reflect the University of Georgia’s commitment to advancing poultry science, and we look forward to the enduring positive impact it will have on students, researchers and the broader industry for years to come.”

UGA officially opened the facility in October 2023. The $54.1 million building almost doubled the space per student in each classroom. Other updates in the new area included new labs and collaborative spaces. This included a new food safety intervention space where researchers can run validations of poultry processing methods to reduce foodborne pathogens.

“Through our campaigns, we’ve solidified and built new partnerships with many in the private sector. We are immensely thankful for the continued support from Wayne-Sanderson Farms as we prepare the next generation of leaders for the poultry industry in Georgia and beyond,” said Todd Applegate, poultry science department head and R. Harold and Patsy Harrison Chair in Poultry Science.

The updated poultry science building at UGA was constructed through a public-private partnership, with half of the funding goal allocated by the Georgia legislature and equipment assistance provided by a federal grant.

The project also received additional private industry support.