EMPORIA, KS (September 15, 2025) – Simmons Foods announced today a $500,000 donation to Flint Hills Technical College (FHTC) in Emporia, Kansas. The donation, which will be distributed over the next five years, supports FHTC’s $17 million Advancing Tomorrow Campaign, the largest fundraising project in the college’s history.
The funds will support the construction of the new Advanced Industry Education Center, a facility designed to expand and integrate programs in advanced manufacturing, industrial engineering, automation, and robotics, and to strengthen them with brand-new equipment and technology. This building will house the Simmons Industrial Engineering Lab where Simmons Team Members will be involved in various aspects, including mock interviews of all students in the program.
To commemorate the announcement, Simmons Foods held a check presentation ceremony at FHTC. Mark Simmons, Chairman of the Board, Scott Salmon, President of Simmons Pet Food, and other Simmons leaders joined college leaders, faculty, and students for the event.
“This gift represents our long-standing commitment to education,” said Mark Simmons. “By supporting Flint Hills Technical College, we’re investing in the next generation of skilled professionals who will not only power our industry, but also strengthen the communities where we serve, live, and work.”
"FHTC values our strong partnership with Simmons Foods, whose local leadership serves on our College Board and Program Advisory Committees while providing essential guidance to keep our manufacturing programs at the forefront of industry standards," said FHTC President Caron Daugherty. "Simmons Foods was the inaugural recipient of the FHTC Foundation's Prairie Fire Award in 2023, recognizing their outstanding contribution to our educational mission. This partnership significantly benefits our industry programs, faculty, students and alumni, through their ongoing input and expertise."
The donation aligns with Simmons Giving’s education pillar, which focuses on expanding access to learning opportunities and equipping our people for long-term success. This commitment takes many forms, including the M.H. “Bill” Simmons Memorial Scholarship program, tuition reimbursement, and language learning courses for Simmons Team Members. Simmons also supports local high school career and technical education programs, giving students hands-on skills that connect directly to future careers. Through partnerships with schools, colleges, and nonprofits, Simmons works to create opportunities that enrich both students and communities.
About Flint Hills Technical College
Flint Hills Technical College is a public institution of higher education dedicated to providing quality technical education to students in the East Central Kansas region and beyond. With a focus on hands-on learning and industry-relevant skills, FHTC prepares students for successful careers in various technical fields. For more information, visit www.fhtc.edu or call 620-343-4600.
About Simmons Foods Inc. and Affiliates
Simmons Foods and its Affiliates are leading suppliers of poultry, pet and animal nutrition products based in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Simmons works with farmers, communities, and team members to apply 75+ years of experience to serving customers. Simmons Prepared Foods ranks in the top 15 poultry producers in the United States, Simmons Pet Food is the largest supplier of store brand wet pet food in North America, and Simmons Animal Nutrition boasts an innovative line of proprietary animal nutrition products. With 9,000 team members, Simmons Foods and its Affiliates serve customers in all 50 states and more than 40 countries around the world.
