Landmark MOU Expands Collaboration, Equity and Opportunity for Nation’s 19 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities

Alabama A&M University President Daniel K. Wims joined leaders from across the nation’s historically Black land-grant universities March 5 as the United States Department of Agriculture and the Council of 1890 University Presidents signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding designed to expand federal collaboration and strengthen agricultural innovation.

The historic agreement formalizes and sustains the federal partnership between USDA and the nation’s 19 historically Black land-grant universities, commonly known as the 1890 institutions. The MOU also serves as a key mechanism for implementing the policy objectives of Executive Order 14283, the White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Wims was present in Washington for the signing alongside USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and leaders from across the 1890 system, highlighting Alabama A&M University’s continued leadership 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 ensure 1890 institutions receive equitable access to federal programs and resources while strengthening their role in shaping the nation’s agricultural future. By aligning with the 2025 executive order, the partnership aims to remove barriers to federal funding while enhancing institutional planning and development.

“The signing of this agreement signals a shared recognition of the value 1890 institutions provide to the American agricultural landscape,” said Ericke S. Cage, president of West Virginia State University and chair of the Council of 1890 University Presidents. “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 central component of the agreement is the creation of a joint task force composed of agency leaders appointed by the USDA secretary and university presidents recommended by the Council of 1890 Presidents. The task force will meet at least twice annually to oversee the implementation of the partnership’s goals and translate policy priorities into measurable outcomes for students, faculty and rural communities.

Joining Secretary Rollins and Cage at the signing along with President Wims were Tracy M. Cook of Alcorn State University, Tomikia P. LeGrande of Prairie View A&M University, Alexander Conyers of South Carolina State University, Makola M. Abdullah of Virginia State University, Marva B. Johnson of Florida A&M University and interim President Orlando F. McMeans of the Southern University System.

Felecia M. Nave, president and CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation, said the agreement strengthens the connection between federal leadership and the work already taking place across the 1890 campuses.

“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.”

Under the agreement, USDA and the Council of 1890 University Presidents will collaborate on several strategic priorities, including workforce development, institutional capacity building, community outreach and ongoing policy dialogue.

The partnership will focus on expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in food systems, agricultural science and natural resources while strengthening America’s future workforce pipeline. It will also explore Intergovernmental Personnel Act agreements that allow faculty and administrators from 1890 institutions to work within USDA offices, sharing expertise and strengthening collaboration.

Additionally, the agreement enhances regional outreach through USDA liaisons who provide technical assistance and support to farmers, ranchers and foresters across communities served by the 1890 land-grant universities.

Wims’ participation in the historic signing reflects Alabama A&M’s growing national leadership in agricultural policy and security. On Sept. 19, 2025, Wims testified before Congress on the urgent need to strengthen America’s agricultural defenses against emerging threats, appearing before the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology during a hearing on agroterrorism and the protection of the nation’s food and agricultural systems.

AAMU Vice President of Government Affairs and External Relations, Shannon Reeves, Sr. accompanied President Wims and was instrumental in securing the opportunity on behalf of the University.

The historic USDA agreement represents a new chapter for the 1890 land-grant system and reinforces the role of institutions such as Alabama A&M University as key partners in advancing agricultural research, rural development and national food security.

For more information about the 1890 Universities Foundation and its work supporting the nation’s 1890 land-grant universities, visit www.1890foundation.org.