Southern Arkansas University Tech in Camden has been awarded $20 million in federal funding to launch a defense manufacturing center of excellence.
The center is expected to significantly boost workforce development and economic growth in south Arkansas.
“This $20 million investment is about more than bricks and mortar,” said Chancellor Jerry Thomas. “It’s about creating high-wage, high-demand careers right here in south Arkansas. Our graduates will be prepared to step into $50,000-$75,000 jobs, strengthen our local economy, and help our region compete at the highest level.”
The investment includes $15 million for the construction and $5 million for advanced instructional and training equipment. The funding was secured through Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations with leadership from U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.).
The center will include approximately 50,000 square feet of modern instructional and training space designed to support aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing education, according to a press release. It will house advanced simulation and manufacturing laboratories, flexible classrooms for rapid workforce training, high-bay industrial training areas and collaborative spaces for industry engagement. The center will be designed to adapt to evolving workforce and technology needs, ensuring students receive hands-on training using industry-standard equipment, and it will expand programs in advanced manufacturing, industrial systems, automation, cybersecurity and energy technologies.
“This funding is critical to help establish this innovative program and obtain the proper equipment to train tomorrow’s aerospace and defense manufacturing workforce, further bolstering Arkansas’s leading role in supporting our national defense,” Boozman said in a statement. “I was proud to champion both components of this landmark project and am confident the result will demonstrate a responsible use of taxpayer dollars to develop and strengthen our economy.”
Thomas said the center aligns with regional industry partners such as Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, General Dynamics, Raytheon, Armtec Defense and R2S.
“This project reflects the confidence our partners have in SAU Tech and in south Arkansas,” he said. “Because of this investment, when employers are ready to grow, our workforce will be ready to lead.”
The COE is expected to train hundreds of skilled workers each year and strengthen job creation and retention across multiple counties, supporting long-term regional economic competitiveness.
Featured rendering courtesy of SAU Tech
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