Dear SANS Stakeholders;

Founders' Week at UMES was an amazing success. It was also wonderful for me to travel across the state and see our alums during this very special week. 

As part of the on-going conversation about the work of our Founders, I’ve been asked about the connection between 1890, land-grant and HBCUs. In fact, they all are connected. However, only 19 institutions are unique enough to be labeled as all three… and UMES is one of those 19. 

Let me explain by briefly describing: our journey, our mission, and our uniqueness:

Our Journey: Not only was September the 135th anniversary of the founding of UMES, but also, August 30, marked the 131st anniversary of the Morrill Act of 1890. Why is that so special?

A land-grant university is one that has been designated by a State or Federal legislature to receive the benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862, 1890, and in 1994. Those institutions that were designated as 1862s are the PWIs, those designated as 1890s are the 19 HBCUs, and within this century, in 1994, 29 tribal colleges and universities became land-grant institutions. 

The 1890 Morrill Act established land-grant institutions for African Americans to attend a university and for the research and activities to serve the extension needs of our communities. Our universities advance social mobility for graduates and for those in our communities. 

Specifically, the 1890 HBCUs are listed here.

Our Mission. Furthermore, the original mission as set forth in the Morrill Act, was “teaching, research and service” with an emphasis on agriculture, military science, and engineering.  In the 21st century the three-part mission has advanced over the years to “learning, discovery and engagement” and most recently as “talent, innovation, and place."

Over the years, land-grant status has included the agricultural experiment station program and evolved to focus on solving the problems that exist in each of the institution’s surrounding communities (e.g., farming, health care, education, climate change, and cutting-edge research). Most land-grant universities today have expanded to become modern public research institutions, now supporting not only agriculture, but also science, engineering, health care, education, liberal arts, and a full spectrum of educational offerings.

We were honored that on August 30, 2021, U.S. Congresswoman Alma Adams introduced a Concurrent Resolution to honor and recognize the nineteen, 1890 HBCUs. Congresswoman Adams, in the 117th Congress, is Chair of the Congressional Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caucus. She remains the #1 champion of the 1890 HBCUs.

Moreover, today, many land-grant institutions have placed land acknowledgment statements on their websites in recognition of the fact that their institutions occupy lands that were once traditional territories of Native American peoples. At UMES we recognize that "We are on the land of the Nanticoke."

Our Uniqueness. HBCUs in general have a special and glorious role in higher education. No doubt you’ve heard the narratives of those who were denied access to a university education because of their race and others who sacrificed greatly or endured true hardships just to graduate from an HBCU. You also know that the landscape of higher education has changed greatly in the last 135 years, and even the last two years. Like other universities, UMES has to compete for students and work collaboratively to retain and graduate these Hawks. Increasing scholarships, advancing research and innovation and adding new academic programs, as we have historically done (aerospace, pharmacy, aviation sciences, and more) keeps us competitive. New degree programs and partnerships with businesses, industries, and government (such as our recent opportunities with Perdue and NASA) increase our reputation and draw new students to our campus.

I’m looking forward to what we will discover about how we can provide more attractive learning experiences for our students through the upcoming retention conversations. Key to our sustainability and to our identity as an HBCU are our strong enrollment, retention efforts, and successful placement of our graduates as researchers, teachers, artists, scientists, business and healthcare professionals and much more. 

UMES Hawks soar to greatness on the wings of our uniqueness as the 1890 land-grant HBCU in Maryland. We truly follow the flight path of our Founders and honor them as we live, learn, and lead UMES into our future together.

With Hawk Pride!

Dr. Heidi M. Anderson
UMES President