WASHINGTON, DC | March 5, 2026 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Council of 1890 University Presidents have signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to sustain and expand the federal partnership with the nation’s 19 historically Black Land-Grant universities. This agreement serves as a primary vehicle to implement the policy objectives of Executive Order 14283, the White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at HBCUs.

The MOU ensures that 1890 institutions obtain equal opportunities for participation in federal programs. By aligning with the 2025 Executive Order, the partnership focuses on addressing barriers to accessing federal funding and strengthening these institutions through enhanced planning and development. This relationship ensures that 1890 Universities are integrated into the USDA strategy to build a globally competitive agriculture production ecosystem.

“The signing of this agreement signals a shared recognition of the value 1890 institutions provide to the American agricultural landscape,” said Ericke S. Cage, J.D., L.L.M., 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.”

At the core of the agreement is the establishment of a joint Task Force comprised of agency heads appointed by Secretary Rollins and 1890 Presidents as recommended by the Council. The Task Force is mandated to meet at least twice a year to oversee the transition of these policy goals into tangible outcomes for students, faculty, and rural communities.

Joining Secretary Rollins for the historic signing along with Council Chair Ericke S. Cage were President Daniel K. Wims (Alabama A&M University), President Tracy M. Cook (Alcorn State University), President Tomikia P. LeGrande (Prairie View A&M University), President Alexander Conyers (South Carolina State University), President Makola M. Abdullah (Virginia State University), President Marva B. Johnson (Florida A&M University), and interim President Orlando F. McMeans (Southern University System).

“This agreement is a necessary step to ensure our universities are active partners in shaping policy,” said Felecia M. Nave, Ph.D., President and CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation. “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 presence of the presidents who joined us today demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring our institutions have a seat at the table.”

Under the MOU, the USDA and the Council will collaborate on several key priorities:

• Workforce Development: Recruiting and retaining students into careers in food, agricultural science, and natural resources to build America’s future talent pipeline.
• Institutional Capacity: Exploring Intergovernmental Personnel Act agreements that allow 1890 faculty and administrators to work within the USDA to share administrative and programmatic best practices.
• Community Outreach: Utilizing USDA Liaisons to provide regional support and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and foresters across the 1890 Land-Grant system.
• Meaningful Dialogue: Engaging in scheduled Task Force meetings to address the relative issues affecting the long-term viability of 1890 Land-Grant Universities.

This agreement marks a new chapter in the history of the 1890 Land-Grant system and ensures these institutions remain central to the American agricultural landscape.

For more information on the 1890 Universities Foundation and its work supporting our institutions, visit www.1890foundation.org.