by Joel Porter, WHNT News 19
HUNTSVILLE, Ala.- By this time next year, leaders at Oakwood University hope to open a brand new venue where people can buy fresh fruits and veggies. On Sunday, school leaders broke ground at the spot where they plan to build Oakwood Farms Market along Adventist Boulevard.
Officials want the venue to be not only be a great place to purchase local produce and goods, but also a place to enjoy the day with family and friends. The project will cost around $3 million, paid for with endowments and donations.
“We’ve been here over 100 years. This is a step out to invite the community into our farm, our land and what we do. And a service for the community,” said Oakwood University Farm Manager Artis Sidney.
Pictured (l-r): David Richardson, vice president of Mission, Enrollment Services & Retention; Will Culver, Huntsville City Council District 5; David Knight, vice president of Student Services; Cheri Wilson, executive director of Advancement & Development; Laura Hall, Alabama Representative District 19; Pamela Holiday, executive director of Employee Services; Colwick Wilson, provost and senior vice president; Mayor Tommy Battle, City of Huntsville; Howard Weems, special assistant to the president; Leslie Pollard, president; Kirk Nugent, chief information officer; Prudence Pollard, vice president for Research and Faculty Development; Benjamin Jones, president, South Central Conference; Sabrina Cotton, vice president for Financial Administration; Kristine Harding, architect ; Kenn Dixon, director of Integrated Marketing & Public Relations; Artis Sidney, manager, Oakwood Farms; Ben Collins, architect. (Photo : Teymi Townsend)