Debbie Alberico
Public Relations Director
Central State University
Wilberforce, OH – Central State University is proud to congratulate Dr. Jack Thomas, Central State University President, for being named to the United Sates Department of Agriculture 1890 Task Force, which seeks to strengthen the partnership between the USDA and the 1890 Land-Grant Universities.
According to Thomas who joined Central State University as the ninth president in 2020, the designation as an 1890 Land-Grant University enables CSU to establish a Research and Extension Program and the opportunity to provide quality extension education that focuses on sustainable agriculture, water resources management for community and agriculture use, youth development, community economic development, and health and nutritional disparities in communities throughout Ohio.
“I am proud to have been nominated and accepted as a member of the USDA/1890 Task Force. Through our 1890 Land Grant research and extension activities, we are able to engage, train and equip our stakeholders (underrepresented students, farmers, families, and communities) with the knowledge and skills necessary to be competitive in a 21st century global economy, positively impacting their socio-economic status. My direct engagement in this activity puts me in a great position to be an effective member of this special task force,” Thomas said.
According to a USDA press release, the USDA has a long history of investing in and supporting historically Black universities, especially the land-grant universities that were established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890. The USDA/1890 Task Force serves as an advisory body for partnership initiatives and ensures the realization of mutual benefits and interests. “USDA’s partnership with the 1890 Council of Presidents is key to shaping the next generation of leaders in agriculture and ensuring access to USDA programs in underserved communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA is eager to continue working with the leadership of 1890 institutions, to create pathways to agricultural careers in the federal government and beyond.”
Central State ranks among U.S. News & World Report’s best colleges in five categories, including Best Undergraduate Engineering Program and Top Public Schools. The University fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a solid liberal arts foundation and STEM-Ag curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally.