Texas A&M University-Commerce celebrated a milestone on Monday, March 18, with a groundbreaking ceremony signaling the start of construction for two significant projects: the Agricultural Multipurpose Education & Training Center and the Ted & Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research.
The $45 million Agricultural Multipurpose Education & Training Center, spanning approximately 190,000 square feet, is poised to become a vital hub for agricultural research, teaching, and economic development. It will offer space for various fields of study, including sustainable agriculture, animal science, and equine studies. The facility will feature food processing labs, field labs, and areas for educational conferences and competitions.
The Ted & Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research, made possible by a generous $1 million gift from the Lyon family in 2022, will focus on quail research and production, wetland research, and more. With state-of-the-art facilities and ample space for classrooms, meetings, and nature trails, the center aims to contribute not only to scientific understanding but also to the preservation of Texas quail populations and the state's economy.
A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin welcomed esteemed guests, including Texas A&M University System Regent John Bellinger, Chancellor John Sharp, State Representative Gary VanDeaver, and State Senator Bryan Hughes, along with other notable speakers such as State Representatives Jill Dutton and Cole Hefner, and representatives from Congressman Keith Self's office. Additionally, students Addie Weil and Aujarai Ivy shared their perspectives on the significance of these new facilities.
Regent Bellinger expressed gratitude for the support of the Texas Legislature and the Lyon family, highlighting the potential of the new facilities to shape future agricultural leaders.
Chancellor Sharp emphasized the enduring importance of agriculture and praised the upcoming facilities as crucial for the state's agricultural education and economy. He underscored the Lyon Center's potential to revitalize Texas quail populations and bolster the state's hunting industry.
Representative VanDeaver hailed the groundbreaking ceremony as a pivotal moment for agricultural education in North and East Texas, foreseeing a bright future for hands-on learning in the field.
Senator Hughes echoed these sentiments, noting the university's expanding influence and the profound impact of the new facilities on Texas agriculture and its economy.
