Black River Technical College (BRTC) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southern Drone Ops & Affiliates (SDO) that will lay the groundwork for increased statewide collaboration and impact the evolving field of Drone Technology.
This partnership allows for the development of high-quality curricular content, instructional training, and professional development in drone operations and maintenance. Students will gain hands-on training with industry-standard equipment, preparing them for high-demand roles in autonomous vehicle operation, integration, service, and data analytics.
“By bridging the gap between industry innovation and technical education, this partnership ensures our students are not just spectators of the technological revolution but the architects of it,” BRTC President Martin Eggensperger said.
The partnership leverages SDO’s experience in aerial chemical application and field monitoring to teach students how to optimize crop yields and promote environmental sustainability through efficient resource use. By establishing a direct pipeline from technical training to the commercial drone sector, BRTC hopes to keep Arkansas’s young technical talent within the region so they might better support local businesses and the state’s multi-billion-dollar agricultural industry.
“Together we are equipping the next generation of Arkansas’s workforce with the skills needed to modernize agriculture and enhance public safety through autonomous flight,” Eggensperger said. “Reinforcing BRTC’s commitment to being a valuable partner for regional economic growth.”
Southern Drone Ops, located in Jonesboro, AR, has been pioneering agricultural drone solutions since 2019. Their mission is to “provide the safest, highest quality, and innovate drone experiences to the next generation of visionaries.” They strive to empower farmers by giving them the knowledge and technology they need to ensure a more sustainable future.
For more information about Southern Drone Ops visit https://www.southerndroneops.com/, or contact them at contact@southerndroneops.com. For more information about BRTC visit https://blackrivertech.edu/.