The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced its inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions Federal Advisory Council, marking a pivotal moment in the agency’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in environmental policymaking and workforce development.
The HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council is tasked with providing independent counsel and recommendations to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. The council will focus on developing strategies to diversify the agency’s workforce, support the professional development of emerging environmental leaders, and secure necessary resources for HBCUs and MSIs to thrive. Their guidance will be instrumental in tackling critical environmental justice issues and fostering community engagement.
“We are honored to have such a distinguished group of leaders join the first-ever HBCU-MSI Advisory Council,” said Administrator Regan. He emphasized the importance of the council members’ diverse experiences and knowledge in shaping the EPA’s initiatives to ensure equitable representation and advocacy for all communities in environmental matters.
Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) commended the council’s creation. “Including the voices of HBCUs in the EPA’s new Federal Advisory Council reflect EPA’s commitment to achieving real results that empower students and support the communities that HBCUs serve.” She pointed out the urgent need for affected communities to have a seat at the table as critical environmental issues like air quality and clean water are addressed.
The council comprises an array of leaders from various institutions and backgrounds. Chair Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, a prominent figure and former chair of the Board of Trustees at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, expressed her pride in being part of this historic initiative. She highlighted the unique insights that HBCUs and MSIs can offer, given their deep understanding of the environmental challenges faced by communities of color.
The establishment of the HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council aligns with President Biden’s Executive Order 14035, which aims to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the federal workforce.
The appointed members of the HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council, who will serve two-year terms, comprise leaders from various educational and advocacy organizations.
Meet The Advisory Council
The following individuals have been appointed to the HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council:
- Chair: Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, Managing Partner, AHK Global Resources
- Vice Chair: Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder and Executive Director, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
- Vice Chair: Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, President, California State University – Fresno
- Vice Chair: Heather Himmelberger, Director, University of New Mexico Southwest Environmental Finance Center
- Abre’ Conner, esq., Director, Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
- Dr. Andrew Kozich, Environmental Science Department Chair, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College
- Angelina Adams, Counselor – Career Services, Haskell Indian Nations University
- Dr. Darryl Ann Lai Fang, Assistant Vice President of Transformation Support, Institute for Capacity Building, United Negro College Fund
- Dr. Eric O’Rear, Senior Research Analyst, Rhodium Group
- C. Gail Bassette, Director of Economic Development/Strategic Engagement, Bowie State University
- Phil Weilerstein, President and CEO, VentureWell
- Dr. Jerryl Briggs, President, Mississippi Valley State University
- Lena T. Rodriguez, Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Policy and Government Relations, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
- Dr. Mark Brown, President and CEO, Tuskegee University
- Dr. Melva Wallace, President and CEO, Huston-Tillotson University
- Michael Johnson, Chief of Staff, PROPEL Center
- Dr. Mike Hoa Nguyen, Member, Board of Directors, Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education & Assistant Professor of Education, New York University
- Ray Shackelford, Vice President for Equitable Justice and Strategic Initiatives, National Urban League
- Dr. Sharon Jones, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, University of Washington – Bothell
- Dr. Vann Newkirk, President, Wilberforce University
