The University of Arkansas at Monticello has opened the Arkansas Forest Health Research Center on its Monticello campus. The university marked the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 2.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders spoke at the ceremony. Forestry, higher education and state leaders also attended. UAM Chancellor Dr. Peggy Doss called the center an investment in research, education and the region’s workforce.
The center will study insects, disease and other stresses that damage forests. UAM says it is a leading facility of its kind in the Southeast.
The state approved $16.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act money for the building in February 2024. Attorney General Tim Griffin added $1 million in state settlement funds at the groundbreaking in October 2024. The family of John W. Spivey also supported the John W. Spivey Conference Center inside the facility, which will host training for natural resource professionals.
Source: University of Arkansas at Monticello, as reported by Deltaplex News.
