Ozark Food Processors Association Lives On Through Student Awards

Photo Submitted

l-r: U of A's Ahmed Kattan and ,John White with Jim Brooks, president of Ozark Canners and Freezers, at dedication of the Ozark Canners and Freezers Auditorium at the U of A, 1963.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Ozark Food Processors Association is contributing more than $190,000 to five endowed student awards in the Department of Food Science in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.

The five endowed awards are named for individuals and organizations involved with the association and the Department of Food Science. These include:

• The Ozark Food Processors Association Carolyn S.Q. Sharp Award
• The Ozark Food Processors Association Claude and Patty Todd Memorial Award
• The Ozark Food Processors Association F&H Food Equipment Company Award
• The Ozark Food Processors Association Jerry Dickson Award
• The Ozark Food Processors Association Justin R. Morris Award

Undergraduate students in the Department of Food Science who demonstrate great promise for successful careers in the food industry and a special aptitude for research will be the primary beneficiaries of these awards.

“The Ozark Food Processors Association has supported research and education efforts at the University of Arkansas for over a century,” said Renee Threlfall, director of operations and industry relations for the association. “We are proud that the OFPA legacy will continue these efforts by establishing five endowments that will support U of A Department of Food Science students with intent to pursue a career in the food industry. OFPA hopes that other industry sponsors will donate to increase these endowments to support students involved in our industry.”

The Ozark Food Processors Association was founded in 1906 as Ozark Canners and Freezers, a nonprofit organization to support food processors, suppliers and associated industries in the Ozark region. The organization began its relationship with the Department of Food Science at the U of A in the 1960s, when it took an interest in the research being done by the university’s faculty and students.

“Our college, and specifically students in food science, have benefitted from a long-standing relationship with the Ozark Food Processors Association,” said Deacue Fields, dean of the Bumpers College. “We are very appreciative of this gift and the five student awards. Our graduates are successful in career areas of food science and engineering, product development, nutrition, business and more. Thank you to the OFPA for this very generous support of our students and our program. Bumpers College focuses on all aspects of the food industry, and this will enable us to advance our efforts.”

In October 2018, the organization’s board voted for the dissolution of the Ozark Food Processors Association, so the awards previously given by the organization are now being transferred to the university for permanent awarding.

Andrea Dunigan, former acting president of the association, said, “The Ozark Food Processors Association has always supported students over the years. It was a difficult decision to discontinue this organization, but it was an easy decision to take the remaining funds and establish endowments that will last for years to come. We hope the industry will also find value in students who intend to pursue a career in the food industry and continue to donate and support what this organization started.”