Alabama A&M University President Daniel K. Wims joined other leaders from historically Black land-grant universities in Washington, D.C., on March 5 for the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Council of 1890 University Presidents. The agreement is intended to strengthen federal collaboration and support agricultural innovation at these institutions.
The MOU formalizes the partnership between USDA and the nation’s 19 historically Black land-grant universities, known as 1890 institutions. It also serves as a tool for implementing Executive Order 14283, which aims to promote excellence and innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Wims attended the event alongside USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and other university presidents. He highlighted Alabama A&M University’s role in agricultural research, workforce development, and community engagement.
“This historic agreement reinforces the critical role that Alabama A&M University and our fellow 1890 land-grant institutions play in strengthening America’s agricultural future,” said Wims. “Our universities have long served as engines of innovation, research and opportunity for communities across the nation. This partnership ensures our students, faculty and researchers have expanded access to federal resources and meaningful collaboration as we work together to address food security, agricultural sustainability and rural economic development.”
The agreement is designed to provide equitable access to federal programs for 1890 institutions while supporting their contributions to national agriculture policy. By aligning with recent executive orders, it seeks to reduce barriers to funding and improve institutional planning.
Ericke S. Cage, president of West Virginia State University and chair of the Council of 1890 University Presidents, stated: “The signing of this agreement signals a shared recognition of the value 1890 institutions provide to the American agricultural landscape. Through this formal framework, we are bridging the gap between federal resources and university-led innovation. Our leadership is prepared to engage with the secretary to implement these objectives, ensuring that our students and faculty are fully integrated into the national strategy for food security and rural development.”
A joint task force will be created under this agreement with members appointed by both USDA leadership and university presidents recommended by the council. The group will meet at least twice each year to monitor progress toward shared goals affecting students, faculty, and rural communities.
Other participants in the signing included Tracy M. Cook (Alcorn State University), Tomikia P. LeGrande (Prairie View A&M University), Alexander Conyers (South Carolina State University), Makola M. Abdullah (Virginia State University), Marva B. Johnson (Florida A&M University), interim President Orlando F. McMeans (Southern University System), along with Secretary Rollins, Cage, Wims, among others.
Felecia M. Nave, president and CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation commented: “This agreement is a necessary step to ensure our universities are active partners in shaping policy,” Nave said. “We see the impact our USDA liaisons, research deans and extension directors have every day across our 19 campuses helping students navigate their education and future in agricultural careers. However, to meet the goals set by the White House to promote innovation and excellence, we must connect the work on the ground with the leadership at the top.”
The partnership outlines strategic priorities such as workforce development initiatives; building institutional capacity; community outreach; ongoing policy discussions; expanding opportunities for students interested in food systems or natural resources careers; exploring personnel exchange agreements between university staff/faculty/administrators with USDA offices; technical assistance via regional liaisons serving farmers/ranchers/foresters connected with these universities.
President Wims’ involvement follows his testimony before Congress on September 19th last year regarding threats facing America’s agriculture sector during a House Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing focused on agroterrorism preparedness.
Shannon Reeves Sr., Vice President of Government Affairs & External Relations at Alabama A&M accompanied Wims during these events.
For further information about efforts supporting these land-grant schools visit www.1890foundation.org.
