MoWest announces partnership with Triumph Foods to expand education benefits for employees, families

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Missouri Western State University and Triumph Foods announced a new partnership to expand access to higher education for Triumph employees and their families.

Triumph Foods, a processor of worldwide pork products, is the first local business to join MoWest's Corporate Education Program.

"We know that education attainment is critical to our region's success," MoWest President Elizabeth Kennedy said. "By 2031, 66% of 'good jobs' will require a bachelor's degree, and 19% will require certification or an industry-related credential. Our corporate Education Program is one way we can encourage adults who are already in the workforce to get the education they need for jobs with more responsibility and better pay."

Triumph Foods team members, their spouses and dependents will receive a 20% discount from any of MoWest's undergraduate and graduate programs, whether they are delivered in person, online or in a hybrid format.

Triumph team members will also have the opportunity to apply for tuition reimbursement for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

"At Triumph Foods, we believe in creating opportunities for our team members to prosper," said Matt England, the president and CEO at Priumph Foods. "This partnership with MoWest gives our team members and their families a new pathway to advance their education and futures right here in St. Joseph. We are proud to be the first local business to make this opportunity available."

The new partnership comes after Triumph Foods was recognized in 2024 as a founding supporter of MoWest's Houlne Center for Convergent Technology, with the Triumph Foods and Daily's Premium Meats Industrial Technology Bay named in honor of the company's contributions to the project.

Triumph Foods also joined the Houlne Industry Advisory Group to help ensure the center's student training aligns with real-world manufacturing needs.

MoWest said it is currently in discussions to add other local businesses and organizations to its Corporate Education Program.