UMES celebrating 135 years as an 1890 Land-Grant University
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – 1890 Land- Grant Universities produce individuals that contribute tremendously to the economy, and that goes for the Eastern Shore as well. A leader of one local institution shares how they make a difference in their community.
Second Morrill Act 1890
August 30, 1890, The Second Morrill Act was signed by congress, which stipulated that African Americans were to be included in the United States Land-Grant University Higher Education System without discrimination.
Dr. Moses Kario is the Dean of Agriculture and Natural Sciences for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. “I think it’s important to celebrate that these universities exist- also to get people to really understand the important role they play, as I say, the social and economic fabric of the nation.”
Black Universities Matter
He says being a land grant university means supporting economic development at the state and county levels. “Of the 18 southern border states, which did not allow Blacks to attend the Universities. Which is why the second Morrill Act came in and required those states to establish a separate university that would allow Blacks to attend college.”
Dr. Kario says in today’s climate, it’s important to invest and re-invest in these institutions. “Land grant universities have three functions, there is the teaching or workforce development piece, but there’s also research and extension where the universities provide research support to farmers.”
Student Spotlight
Dr. Kario says they will continue to shed the spotlight on their students’ contributions, any chance they get. “Even in these times where there’s so many changes that role remains critically important. The United States is a leader in research and food production, things that we take for granted. and much of that is because of these land grant universities such as UMES.”
They will be having a full year of activities building up to the 135th 1890 Morrill Act Anniversary, which includes a wellness walk open to the public on April 22nd at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
