Arvest donates $15,000 to Crowder training program

(From Crowder College)

Crowder College was recipient of a generous donation from the Arvest Foundation in the amount of $15,000.

The funds will be used to purchase new milling equipment that will allow the college to expand training offerings at the Joplin Advanced Training and Technology Center.

Advanced Manufacturing, one of four certificates currently offered at the Joplin ATTC, is in high demand due to industry needs in Southwest Missouri.

“We are pleased that Arvest Foundation sees the importance of skilled training and thankful for their gracious donation. Arvest has been instrumental in assisting Crowder College as we work to improve and expand the training options in our area.” stated Phillip Witt, Associate Vice President of Career & Technical Education.

“This donation is just one of many we have made throughout Southwest Missouri, and it demonstrates Arvest Foundation’s ongoing commitment to education in our region,” stated Arvest Bank President, Chad Evans. “It’s important to recognize that we, along with numerous area industry leaders, are committed to investing in skilled labor training and educational programs such as this, to meet the demands needed for our growing local workforce.”

“Crowder College strives to make students ready for the needs of employers,” said Jim Cullumber, director of institutional advancement for Crowder and the Crowder College Foundation. “This grant from the Arvest Foundation will allow us to address some specific needs in this area. When complete, our students will have the skills needed to be successful on the job.”

Crowder College began offering classes at the Joplin Advanced Training and Technology Center in the fall 2017. Programs are one or two semesters in length at the Joplin ATTC and are offered in Welding, Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Drafting.

(Photo, left to right, Dr. Phillip Witt, Associate Vice President of Career & Technical Education, Melissa Smith, Director of Joplin ATTC & Training/Development Solutions, Ray Tubaugh, Sr. Vice President Arvest Bank, Rebecca Dunham, Exec. Vice President/Sales Manager, Arvest Bank, and Dr. Glenn Coltharp, President, Crowder College.)