U.S. Agriculture Secretary To Sign MOU With 1890 HBCUs

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – On Tuesday, June 14th, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will join Paul Jones, Chair of the 1890s Presidents Council for an MOU signing in Washington, D.C. highlighting the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) continued support of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the country.

The Secretary and Mr. Jones will be joined by USDA Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh and Research, Education and Economics Under Secretary Chavonda Jacobs-Young.

The event underscores USDA’s commitment under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Executive Order 13985 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities to advance the goals of equity to better serve the needs of traditionally underserved institutions and communities. USDA has a long history of investing in and supporting our nation’s 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, which have been leaders in scientific innovation. The 1890s system has played an important role in building STEM programming for our nation’s youth. 1890s institutions also strengthen research, extension and teaching in the food and agricultural sciences, and expand the number of students attracted to careers in agriculture, food, natural resources and human sciences.

Credentialed members of the media who wish to attend the event should RSVP to press@usda.gov for more details.