Alcorn State University President Dr. Felecia M. Nave welcomes continued federal conversations on investment in 1890 Universities

Alcorn State University President Dr. Felecia M. Nave welcomes continued federal conversations on investment in 1890 Universities

Following the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s June 16 hearing on the 1890 Universities, Dr. Felecia M. Nave released the following joint statement: 

“I would like to thank the members of the House Agriculture Committee for holding this important hearing. I am also grateful to Chairman David Scott who was instrumental in leading the efforts to secure student scholarships in agriculture, additional funding for the creation of 1890 Centers of Excellence, and upgrades for research facilities in the 2018 Farm Bill. 

“As Alcorn State University celebrates its 150th anniversary as the nation’s first public, historically Black, land-grant institution, I continue to welcome these conversations on how to best support the 1890 Land-Grant Universities, when it comes to addressing longstanding inequities including challenges around state matching funds and infrastructure on campus. I appreciate the Committee’s continued support and look forward to continuing discussions on the important role the 1890 Universities are playing in their respective communities and the critical investments they need to educate students to meet challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century.” 

The hearing on Wednesday, June 16, at 9 a.m. CST titled, “1890 Land Grant Institutions: Investing for Agricultural Resiliency, Equity, and Global Impact” focused primarily on seeking solutions to continue better supporting the 1890 Universities, addressing historic inequalities in federal support, and ensuring the Universities’ continued success. 1890 University leaders are working in partnership with Congress on including HBCU infrastructure improvements in whatever package emerges this year. 

Today’s witness participants include Dr. Makola Abdullah, Chair of the 1890 Council of Presidents and President of Virginia State University; Dr. Paul Jones, Vice Chair of the 1890 Council of Presidents and President of Fort Valley State University; Dr. Heidi Anderson, President of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore; and Dr. Tony Allen, President of Delaware State University. All of the Presidents are members of the Council Executive Committee. Dr. Orlando McMeans, Chancellor-Dean at Southern University will also participate. The hearing will also include a video presentation from several other 1890 presidents and chancellors. 

Thanks to the efforts of various members of the Committee, the 2018 Farm Bill included mandatory funding for scholarships to 1890 institutions, established six Centers of Excellence to be led by 1890 Universities, and corrected an inequity in the carryover of extension funds from year to year. 

A live stream of the hearing is available here on YouTube. 

All additional information on this hearing can be found here.