In early March 2026, leaders of historically Black land-grant universities signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen collaboration. This tradition of agreements dates back to the Reagan administration (1980s) and typically occurs at the start of new administrations. The renewed MOU under the Trump administration reassures HBCU leaders that federal support will continue. Harry Williams, CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, praised the commitment, while Felecia M. Nave, president of the 1890 Universities Foundation, emphasized that the agreement makes the partnership “not just symbolic, but truly actionable.”
In early March 2026, leaders of historically Black land-grant universities signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen collaboration. This tradition of agreements dates back to the Reagan administration (1980s) and typically occurs at the start of new administrations. The renewed MOU under the Trump administration reassures HBCU leaders that federal support will continue. Harry Williams, CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, praised the commitment, while Felecia M. Nave, president of the 1890 Universities Foundation, emphasized that the agreement makes the partnership “not just symbolic, but truly actionable.”