By Andi Anderson
Woods Equipment is marking its 80th anniversary by investing in the future of agriculture through scholarship support for students at the Michigan State University (MSU) Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT).
The initiative is part of a broader effort to address workforce shortages impacting agriculture and food production across the United States. Woods Equipment announced financial commitments to agricultural programs at six universities and three local organizations throughout the Midwest. As part of this investment, six students enrolled in the Agricultural Operations certificate program at St. Clair County Community College (SC4) are receiving scholarships through the partnership.
Jennifer “Jeno” Rivera, Ph.D., Director of the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology, highlighted the importance of the collaboration.
“We are profoundly grateful for the investment and partnership with Woods Equipment as we work together to train the agriculture and natural resources workforce of the future,” said IAT Director Jennifer “Jeno” Rivera, Ph.D. “These scholarships are unlocking opportunities for our talented students while activating a talent pipeline for Michigan’s agricultural industry.”
The scholarships are helping students gain access to high-quality agricultural education while reducing financial pressures associated with tuition and related expenses. The support also reflects a shared commitment to preparing skilled professionals for careers in agriculture, food systems, and natural resources.
Derek Paulsen, Vice President and General Manager of Woods Equipment and a 1993 MSU alumnus, emphasized the company’s dedication to agricultural education.
“Woods is proud to support students at MSU pursuing agriculture operations, learning not only how to grow their crops, but how to grow their business,” said Derek Paulsen, Vice President and General Manager of Woods Equipment and a 1993 MSU alumnus. “Programs like this help develop the skills and experience to keep agriculture moving forward.”
The MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology has a long history dating back to 1894, when it began as the Michigan Agricultural College short course. Today, the program prepares students for careers in agriculture, food, and natural resource industries through hands-on education and industry-focused training.
In 2026, MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and IAT expanded educational opportunities through a partnership with St. Clair County Community College. The collaboration allows students in the Port Huron region to access MSU agricultural programs closer to home.
Among the scholarship recipients is Addison Smith, a first-year Agricultural Operations student. The financial support has helped reduce tuition expenses and make continuing her education more affordable.
“The scholarship has helped me be able to afford the Ag Operations program because without it I would have to pay more out of pocket costs towards my MSU classes,” she said. “Having the scholarship has allowed me to continue in the program and helps me to work towards my career goal of working in ag business."
Another recipient, Maya Ondrus, a first-year student in the Agricultural Operations program, also described the value of the scholarship.
"The scholarship I received from Woods has helped me greatly, making this program more affordable and giving me the opportunity to explore where I want to take my future in agriculture.”
In addition to supporting MSU IAT, Woods Equipment’s anniversary initiative is benefiting several land-grant universities and agricultural programs throughout the Midwest. The effort aims to create scholarships, strengthen educational opportunities, and support future agricultural leaders.
Jillian Love, Marketing Manager at Woods Equipment, noted the company's long-standing connection to agriculture.
“For 80 years, our equipment has worked alongside farmers and the next generation of land stewards,” said Jillian Love, Marketing Manager at Woods Equipment. “These partnerships are our way of giving back and making sure there is a next generation ready to carry that work forward.”
Through these investments, Woods Equipment is helping students access valuable educational opportunities while strengthening the workforce needed to support the future of agriculture. The partnership demonstrates how industry collaboration can help develop skilled professionals and ensure continued growth and innovation across the agricultural sector.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-poike
Categories: Michigan, Education