26 May 2016 UACCM receives $101,500 donation

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton recently received a $101,500 donation from Mike and Suzan Miller of Morrilton to assist with the construction of the new Workforce Training Center. Made in separate payments in December and January, this donation gives the couple naming rights for the commercial refrigeration lab in the new, state-of-the-art facility. 

The Millers are local business owners with several different businesses, including Point Remove Lodge and Winery, Yesterday’s Restaurant and Crow Construction. In addition, Mike Miller is an owner of Cooling and Applied Technology in Russellville, one of UACCM’s Advisory Committee businesses. The college has advisory committees for each program comprised of 170 members from more than 150 companies. The advisory committee members ensure programs are up-to-date with the latest technology and provide guidance on curriculum, internship opportunities, technical expertise and equipment and monetary donations. 

Miller’s ownership of a refrigeration business is what led the couple to invest in the commercial refrigeration lab. Mike Miller said, “Giving back to the Morrilton community, of which we feel we are an integral part, was our motivation for this donation. I have been very successful in refrigeration, and I believe that this donation will help to fill the great need for trained workers in this industry. UACCM does so much for this community, and Suzan and I thought this would be a good way to show our appreciation for that as well.”

UACCM Chancellor Dr. Larry Davis said of the donation, “The Millers continue to make significant investments in the Morrilton community, and we are honored to have their support. With their help, and that of our other donors, we will be able to fill the needs of current and future workers through short-term and regular programs designed to produce a highly skilled, well-trained workforce.”

The estimated 53,000-square-foot Workforce Training Center at UACCM will house many of the college’s existing technical programs, including automotive service technology; welding; industrial mechanics and maintenance technology; and heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technology. In addition to technical programs, an open space for workforce training will be included in the facility for use in recruiting new industry to the area, as well as assisting current industry with workforce development needs.

For more information about the “Give Meaning” campaign, including ways to support the fundraising efforts, visit uaccm.edu/GiveToUACCM or contact UACCM Development Officer Morgan Zimmerman at 501.977.2085 or [email protected].