Students Receive Awards, Job Opportunities at International Production and Processing Expo

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Senior Poultry Science major Stephanie Philpot won the Student of the Year award at the 2015 International Production and Processing Expo.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Poultry Science Club and other students from the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences attended the 2015 International Production and Processing Expo Jan. 26-28 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. They participated in the USPOULTRY Foundation College Student Career Program, which is held in conjunction with IPPE.

About 580 students and student clubs from 34 universities competed in the categories of Scrapbook of the Year, Club of the Year (based on a 1,000-word essay describing the club activities) and Student of the Year.

Stephanie Philpot, a senior poultry science major from Springfield, Missouri, was named Student of the Year. She received a plaque and the $1,000 Frank Perdue Scholarship.

Also during IPPE, seniors and graduate students interview with potential employers and underclass students interview for internships. Students have the opportunity to learn about the many career opportunities in the poultry industry and allied industries around the world.

Matthew Coale, a senior poultry science major, said, "The opportunities made available to me at IPPE were nothing short of amazing. Because of the connections I've made within this close-knit industry and the guidance of all my departmental advisors, I was able to interview 15 different times with nine of the industries top companies, all of which made me some type of offer. I am very fortunate to be a part of such a great program and am very appreciative of all of the opportunities it has afforded me."

"Participating in the IPPE student Career program provides endless opportunities to our students for internships and full-time employment," said Susan Watkins, professor and extension specialist for the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and Poultry Science Club advisor. "With the support of Dean Michael Vayda and the college, we have been able to increase our sponsorship for student participation and this year was definitely one of the most successful years yet."

The IPPE is the world's largest annual poultry, feed and meat industry trade show.