Mosaic’s CEO Joc O’Rourke (left) and Florida A&M University’s president Dr. Larry Robinson shake after signing the agreement that outlines the company’s new partnership with FAMU.
Mosaic CEO Joc O’Rourke, and Mosaic employees recently traveled to Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) to launch an ongoing partnership with the School of Business and Industry (SBI) that includes internship or cooperative education openings for students, joint research projects, and employment opportunities.
During the visit, Joc along with Ben Pratt, Senior Vice President, Government and Public Affairs, Dexter Day, General Manager, Bartow/South Pierce, Nikki Foster, Community Investment Manager for Diversity & Inclusion, and FAMU alumna LaQuinda Brewington, Public Affairs Manager, met with students from the Schools of Business and Industry, Agriculture and Food Science, and Engineering to share their career paths and industry insights.
“Having the opportunity to return to my alma mater is always thrilling but coming back with the purpose of announcing this partnership is extra special,” said LaQuinda. “I am beyond excited about the opportunities that FAMUs’ best and brightest students will be able to take advantage of because of this partnership and I look forward to what the future has in store.”
As a leader in the industry and part of Mosaic’s commitment to increasing underrepresented groups in leadership, this collaboration leads the way for a long future with FAMU – Florida’s only public historically Black university and currently the highest ranked historically Black university by U.S. News and World Report. Partnering with universities is an important part of how Mosaic continues to develop innovative products, research product effectiveness, and recruit the best people to work in this essential industry.
“Our focus at FAMU’s School of Business and Industry is to prepare students to thrive in a competitive, global marketplace. This donation from Mosaic reflects our partnership and the company’s commitment to increasing underrepresented groups and leadership diversity in the workplace,” said SBI Dean Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., who is also vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation.
“We’re excited to collaborate with a deeply respected university. We need the innovative and talented students from FAMU to join our industry and help the world grow the food it needs,” reiterated Joc.
