LENEXA, KAN. (SEPT. 19, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the members of the inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions (HBCU-MSI) Federal Advisory Council.
This council marks a significant milestone in EPA's commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within environmental policymaking and workforce development. Career Services Counselor Angelina Adams of Haskell Indian Nations University was appointed to serve a two-year term.
The HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council will provide independent advice and recommendations to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan on strategies to help diversify the Agency’s workforce, support the professional development of environmental leaders, and ensure that HBCUs and MSIs receive the resources and support they need to thrive. The council's insights will be crucial in guiding EPA's efforts to address environmental justice issues and enhance community engagement.
"We are honored to have such a distinguished group of leaders join the first-ever HBCU-MSI Advisory Council," Regan said. "Each member brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a deep commitment to advancing environmental justice and helping to diversify contributions to environmental policies. Their unique perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to ensure that all communities have a voice in our shared work to protect public health and the environment, empower the next generation of environmental leaders, and support these vital institutions for generations to come.”
“Angelina Adams' perspective as an Indigenous individual and her experiences at Haskell Indian Nations University will contribute to the representation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) in EPA's decision-making processes at both the regional and national levels,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meghan A. McCollister. “She has been a fierce advocate for her students while highlighting the importance of preparing them to engage in the stewardship of land and resource management. Additionally, her collaboration with EPA has provided valuable insights into effectively engaging with students at a minority-serving institution and Indigenous communities, leading to positive outcomes for tribal communities. We look forward to the impact Adams' appointment will have on our communities in Region 7.”
“I am very honored to accept this position, and I couldn’t have done it without the Haskell Students,” Adams said.
The HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council (FAC) is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s broader efforts to promote equity in economic and educational opportunities, protect public health, and preserve the environment. Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), which include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs); Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs); Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANHPISIs), play a critical role in educating diverse leaders.
The establishment of the HBCU-MSI FAC supports President Biden's Executive Order 14035Exit EPA’s website, which seeks to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the federal workforce. This Executive Order underscores the importance of a federal workforce that reflects the full diversity of the American people. The HBCU-MSI FAC aligns with this vision by ensuring that diverse voices contribute to shaping EPA's policies.
The following individuals have been appointed to serve two-year terms on the HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council:
Chair: Hilda Pinnix-Ragland - Managing Partner at AHK Global Resources
Vice Chair: Dr. Beverly Wright - Founder & Executive Director at Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
Vice Chair: Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval - President at California State University Fresno
Vice Chair: Heather Himmelberger - Director at University of New Mexico Southwest Environmental Finance Center
Abre' Conner - Director at Center for Environmental & Climate Justice NAACP
Dr. Andrew Kozich - Environmental Science Department Chair at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College
Angelina Adams - Career Services Counselor at Haskell Indian Nations University
Dr. Darryl Ann Lai Fang - Assistant Vice President Transformation Support at Institute for Capacity Building UNCF
Dr. Eric O’Rear - Senior Research Analyst at Rhodium Group
C. Gail Bassette - Director Economic Development/Strategic Engagement Bowie State University
Phil Weilerstein - President & CEO VentureWell
Dr Jerryl Briggs - President Mississippi Valley State University
Dr Lena T Rodriguez - Vice President Governmental Affairs HACU
Dr Mark Brown - President & CEO Tuskegee University
Dr Melva Wallace - President & CEO Huston-Tillotson University
Michael Johnson - Chief Staff PROPEL Center
Dr Mike Hoa Nguyen Member Board Directors APAHE Assistant Professor Education NYU
Ray Shackelford Vice President Equitable Justice Strategic Initiatives NUL
Dr Sharon Jones Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs UW Bothell
Dr Vann Newkirk President Wilberforce University
For more information about the HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council or EPA’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion visit our webpage or contact us via email: HBCU-MSI.AC@epa.gov.
