Triumph Foods, MoWest partner to expand education benefits for team members and families

March 20, 2026-Missouri Western State University and Triumph Foods today announced a new partnership to expand access to higher education for Triumph team members and their families. Triumph Foods, a leading processor of premium pork products worldwide, is the first local business to join MoWest's Corporate Education Program.

"We know that education attainment is critical to our region's success," said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, MoWest's president. "By 2031, 66 percent of'good jobs' will require a bachelor's degree, and 19 percent 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."

Through the partnership, Triumph Foods team members, their spouses and dependents will receive a 20 percent discount off standard tuition for any undergraduate or graduate program at MoWest, whether delivered in person, online or in a hybrid format. In addition to the discount, Triumph team members will also have the opportunity to apply for tuition reimbursement directly through Triumph Foods for both undergraduate and graduate programs, layering meaningful financial support for those who pursue higher education.

"At Triumph Foods, we believe in creating opportunities for our team members to prosper," said Matt England, president and CEO at Triumph 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."

"We're proud to welcome Triumph Foods as the first local business partner in the program," Dr. Kennedy said. "Triumph Foods has been an outstanding partner in building the future of this community, and this new chapter extends that commitment directly to their team members and families."

This new partnership deepens an already growing relationship between Triumph Foods and Missouri Western State University. In 2024, Triumph Foods was recognized 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 that the center's student training aligns with real-world manufacturing needs for years to come.

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

About MoWest: Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. MoWest is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.

About Triumph Foods: Triumph Foods is a leading processor of premium pork products worldwide. The farmer-owned company began operations in St. Joseph, Mo., in January 2006. With its state-of-the-art facility, Triumph employs over 2,900 workers and produces over 1.5 billion pounds of pork annually. For more information, visit triumphfoods.com.