Representatives meet with NIFA to further collaboration addressing food and ag

Above (l-r): Dr. Michelle Samuel-Foo, chief of staff, National Institute for Food and Agriculture; Dr. Mangit Misra, director, National Institute for Food and Agriculture; and Central State University Interim President Alex Johnson and Vice President for Research and Economic Development and Director of the 1890 Land-Grant Programs Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, Ph.D.

In November, Central State University Interim President Alex Johnson and Vice President for Research and Economic Development and Director of the 1890 Land-Grant Programs Morakinyo Kuti, Ph.D., met with Dr. Mangit Misra, director of the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), and Dr. Michelle Samuel-Foo, chief of Staff, NIFA, in Washington, D.C.

They discussed how NIFA and Central State can further collaborate to address societal issues related to food and agriculture.

Misra said the NIFA understands that equity and diversity are the wings on which societal improvement must fly while reiterating support for 1890 universities such as CSU.

Johnson advised that CSU was seeking NIFA support other than capacity funds. The University is interested in resources to enhance its infrastructure, including systems and additional personnel to increase operational capacity to fulfill our 1890 Land-Grant mission.

Kuti stated that CSU fully supports the 1890 University’s request for $5 billion for the Research Facilities Act in the Farm Bill and Center for Excellence activities.