WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) – a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee – today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded Central State University $1,299,243 through its 1890s Facilities Grants Program to strengthen CSU’s agricultural and food science research facilities and equipment. In 1890, the Morrill Act of 1862 was expanded, creating a network of historically black land-grant educational institutions focused on providing increased access to higher education in the fields of agriculture and mechanical arts. Brown helped Central State University secure designation as an 1890 land-grant institution through the 2014 Farm Bill.

“As a 1890s land-grant school, Central State University has conducted groundbreaking agricultural research and provided special opportunities to its students interested in agriculture and farming,” said Brown. “This significant award will build on CSU’s strong partnership with Ohio’s agriculture industry and encourage its continued success preparing Ohio students for good jobs in this field.”

In August 2015, Brown announced passage of a Senate resolution he cosponsored that recognizes the 125th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act – legislation passed on August 30, 1890 that led to the creation of 19 historically Black Federal land-grant educational institutions. The resolution also designated August 30, 2015 as “1890 Land-Grant Institutions Quasquicentennial Recognition Day.”

 

 

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