Prides Corner Farms announced on Apr. 14 a donation to the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) to establish new scholarships for plant science students.
The donation will create the Prides Corner Farms Graduate Scholarship and the Prides Corner Farms Student Success Fund, which aim to support both graduate and undergraduate students pursuing degrees in plant science, with a preference for those focusing on horticulture. The initiative is intended to help students gain valuable experiences that enhance their competitiveness in the job market through research opportunities, conference travel, experiential learning, and laboratory equipment purchases.
Mark Sellew, president and owner of Prides Corner Farms, said: “I saw the clear need of graduate students who want to make the world a better place. They need to have funding to get them on campus and do the work and the research that they do. That compelled me to find a way to help the University bring in more of those students.”
The first group of recipients is expected during the 2026-27 academic year. Sellew also reflected on his company’s longstanding relationship with UConn CAHNR over its 46-year history: “It’s a long history,” Sellew said. “Really, the entire time I’ve been in business. I felt it was important to be able to give back where I saw I could help the industry that has been so good to me and UConn has been very good to me.”
Interim Dean Kumar Venkitanarayanan expressed appreciation for this support: “On behalf of the College and our plant science students, we are so grateful to Mark and Prides Corner Farms for their longstanding commitment to this industry and its future leaders,” Venkitanarayanan said. “We work best when we work together, and this is a prime example of the positive impact that collaboration has on our students and our state.”
CAHNR serves as part of the University of Connecticut with a land-grant mission focused on supporting agriculture statewide. The college secures $40 million annually in research funding according to its official website, provides over 500 extension programs across Connecticut according to its official website, promotes diversity within sustainable food systems according to its official website, features facilities such as an advanced dairy center according to its official website, and celebrates faculty achievements including recognition for Sarah Reed in agricultural education according to its official website.
The partnership between Prides Corner Farms—currently employing 17 UConn alumni—and CAHNR reflects ongoing efforts toward ensuring a vibrant agricultural industry in Connecticut.
