UMO Receives $3.2 Million from NC General Assembly

MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive has received $3.2 million from the North Carolina General Assembly for use in the areas of agriculture, nursing, and aviation. 

North Carolina State Representatives Larry C. Strickland, Jimmy Dixon and John R. Bell, IV made the check presentation. 

“I believe with all my heart that these gentlemen and the areas they represent understand and believe that the University is an integral player in the success of eastern NC in the areas of agriculture, rural development, and business,” said UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom.  “I also know that moving forward UMO is positioned to do really great things in this part of North Carolina and beyond.  The General Assembly and Representatives Strickland, Bell, and Dixon have gone out on a limb for us, and I cannot adequately express the gratitude that the University and I have for their faith and belief in us.  I will keep asking, and I pray that we can continue to be recognized for the contributions we make to the betterment of eastern North Carolina and beyond.”

Representative Dixon responded, “Actually Dr. Croom understated our interest in the University of Mount Olive.  I do not think that you can measure the interest the three of us have in this University and the possible opportunities that exist to improve the life experiences of those living in eastern North Carolina because of this University.”

Representative Strickland agreed, “Representatives Bell and Dixon have been very instrumental working to try to get this money appropriated. We look to UMO as being a beacon in eastern North Carolina in the agricultural community.  It is a great day for eastern North Carolina and for the University of Mount Olive.”

“This University plays a major role not just here in our county and in our region, but also all across the great state of North Carolina,” echoed Representative Bell. “I look at the graduates you are turning out, the talent that you are adding to our workforce, and the work that you have done to plant your flag as one of the agriculture leaders not just in eastern NC, but in all of North Carolina. This check presentation represents your money as taxpayers, and it is our job, as representatives, to fight to ensure the money comes back to investments that are important to all of us.”

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The Convention of Original Free Will Baptists founded the University. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.