West Virginia State University President Ericke S. Cage Named Chair of Two National 1890 Land-Grant University Organizations

November 12, 2025

INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) President Ericke S. Cage has been named chair of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Council of 1890 University Presidents and chair of the 1890 Universities Foundation Board of Directors. Cage will also serve as a member of the APLU Board of Directors. 

He succeeds Dr. Heidi Anderson, president of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, in both roles.

“I would like to thank Dr. Heidi Anderson for her valuable service to both of these organizations that work tirelessly to advance the mission of 1890 land-grant universities,” Cage said. “America’s 1890 institutions play a vital role in creating opportunity, driving innovation, and uplifting communities across the nation. From groundbreaking agricultural research and STEM education to community development and workforce training, our universities are shaping a more prosperous future. I look forward to building on this legacy and ensuring that the 1890 system continues to have a strong voice in national conversations around the future of agriculture, higher education, and economic development.”

APLU is a research, policy, and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. 

The Council of 1890 University Presidents primarily addresses all matters pertaining to strengthening teaching, research, and extension programs at these important institutions. The purpose of the Council is to represent collectively the interests of 1890 land-grant institutions while seeking to maintain, ensure, and increase funding, to present a unified approach for the presentation of views regarding these institutions, and to serve as a forum to share ideas and resources.  

The 1890 Universities Foundation is dedicated to supporting and elevating the nation’s 19 historically black land-grant colleges and universities by fostering community health and wellness, protecting our environment, enriching our cultural experiences, and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

Follow West Virginia State University on Facebook, Instagram @wvsu_official, and X  @WVStateU.

–WVSU–

Media Contact

Jack Bailey

University Relations

jbaile19@wvstateu.edu

+1-304-766-4109

Scroll to Top