Events Showcased Student Achievement, Research, and Service Rooted in the 1890 Morrill Act

Alabama A&M University’s campus was alive with energy September 15–19 as students, faculty, staff, and alumni came together for Ag Week, a celebration of scholarship, innovation, and community engagement hosted by the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences (CALNS). The week also served as a tribute to the 135th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890, legislation that cemented AAMU’s identity as an 1890 Land-Grant Institution.

Ag Week began with the Shuford, Floyd, and Caples Motivational Lecture at Dawson Auditorium, where Dr. Dionne Toombs, Deputy Administrator of the USDA Agricultural Research Service, delivered the keynote address. Her message on leadership, innovation, and service honored CALNS trailblazers while inspiring the next generation of agricultural and life science professionals.

On Wednesday, undergraduate and graduate students presented original research on sustainable agriculture, food safety, environmental stewardship, and biotechnology. Their work reflected AAMU’s commitment to discovery and innovation in areas that directly impact Alabama communities and beyond.

Thursday brought a spirited walk and run from Louis Crews Stadium to The Quad, where the celebration expanded with music, exhibits, and recognition of student achievement. Dr. Lloyd Walker, dean of CALNS, presented Certificates of Achievement to “25 Hack Street,”  the AAMU student team that won first place at the inaugural 1890 Cyber & AI Games in Washington, D.C. Academic departments across CALNS set up interactive booths, showcasing programs in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Family & Consumer Sciences, Food & Animal Sciences, Community & Regional Planning, Military Sciences, and Biological Sciences. The ROTC Color Guard, the MMW drumline, and the cheer team added to the festive atmosphere, while food, demonstrations, and giveaways engaged the campus community.

The week concluded at the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station (WTARS) in Hazel Green with Fun Day, where students and visitors explored field demonstrations, tours, and interactive exhibits that highlighted AAMU’s research and Extension work in action. Transportation was provided from campus, ensuring wide participation in the day’s activities.

Beyond the celebrations, Ag Week carried deeper meaning as Alabama A&M marked the 135th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890, which provided federal support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities to educate Black students in agriculture, mechanical arts, and related fields. Sponsored by Senator Justin Morrill of Vermont, the legislation addressed the exclusion of African Americans from institutions established under the original 1862 Morrill Act by requiring states to either admit Black students or establish separate institutions for them.

This historic legislation paved the way for the creation and strengthening of 19 institutions, including Alabama A&M, that became known as the 1890 Land-Grant Universities. Since then, AAMU has carried forward its land-grant mission of teaching, research, and Extension, expanding access to education and improving quality of life for underserved communities.