ISSUED: 30 June 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University’s Agricultural Innovation Center at Tabler Farm has a new, modern office space, thanks to the donation of an office container by California-based nonprofit Resilience, Sustainability & Growth. Dr. Linton Wells, managing partner of Wells Analytics LLC and executive advisor for the C4I and Cyber Center at George Mason University, facilitated the donation.
The 20-foot-long by eight-foot-wide metal container was originally set up as a mobile doctor’s office. It has been modified to create an office space for the farm and will be used to keep records, hold meetings, and receive visitors.
Dr. Peter Vila, associate professor of environmental and physical sciences and director of the Veterans to Agriculture Program, said the donation is a great asset for the farm because there was previously no place to house a computer, keep files, and meet with visitors such as USDA inspectors.
“It is a durable, strong structure well suited for a farm setting that will serve us for many years,” Vila said. “Establishing a farm requires a great deal of infrastructure—electric, water, fencing, grow facilities for plants and animals—and an office space to organize and keep track of records is essential. In addition, this space will also serve as a video editing and processing area as we establish and hold online distance learning. The office arrived at a good time in the farm development and we are greatly appreciative.”
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