TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) proudly hosted the 2025 Student Success and Workforce Development (SSWD) Symposium on its historic campus from May 18–21. Organized by the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS), under the leadership of co-principal investigators Neil James, Ph.D., and Conchita Newman, the symposium brought together educators, students, and national leaders in agriculture and education.

The event celebrated the enduring legacy and vital contributions of the 1890 land-grant institutions while spotlighting forward-thinking strategies to enhance student achievement and prepare a dynamic workforce for the future. In total, 112 students and 72 professionals from 13 1890 land-grant universities participated.

This year's symposium held special significance as it commemorated the 135th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890—the federal legislation establishing historically Black land-grant universities. Under the theme “Motivating, Educating, and Achieving for 135 Years,” the multi-day event featured plenary sessions, expert panels, hands-on tours, and a student case study competition.

The Association of 1890 Research Directors (ARD) provided additional funding for the symposium to support student career development.

“This symposium represents the strength and future of the 1890 land-grant system,” said G. Dale Wesson, Ph.D., P.E., dean of CAFS and director of Land-Grant Programs at FAMU. “As a proud member of this legacy, FAMU remains committed to advancing equity, innovation, and opportunity for all students, especially those from historically underserved communities.”

Interim President Timothy Beard, Ph.D., and Provost Allyson Watson, Ph.D., delivered welcome remarks during the opening session, where Jennifer Collins, Ph.D., served as the featured speaker and highlighted FAMU’s progress in student success.

Participants engaged in sessions focused on experiential learning, mentorship, emerging technologies, and career pathways in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH). Presenters included leaders from across the 1890 network, along with partners from industry and nonprofit organizations such as Apple Inc., Together We Grow, and Mentor Collective.

“The 1890 Center of Excellence for Student Success and Workforce Development is a cornerstone of our mission to cultivate industry-ready graduates,” said Neil James, Ph.D., associate dean for academic programs at FAMU CAFS. “By integrating research, mentorship, and hands-on learning, we are preparing the next generation of agricultural scientists, educators, and policy leaders.”

Conchita Newman, associate director of Extension, emphasized the vital role of community engagement: “The Cooperative Extension Program bridges our academic and research efforts with the communities we serve, providing students with hands-on learning while delivering real-world solutions. This symposium highlights Extension’s ongoing impact on student success and workforce development.”

One of the week's highlights was the commemorative dinner on May 20, honoring the 135th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act. The event featured performances by the award-winning FAMU Jazz Band and vocals by Stanley Northe Jr., a FAMU CAFS graduate student in entomology. The evening continued with keynote addresses from Jewel Bronaugh, Ph.D., president of the 1890 Foundation and former U.S. deputy secretary of agriculture, and Stephon Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., executive director of Together We Grow.

In his remarks, Alton Thompson, Ph.D., executive director of ARD, emphasized the broader significance of the symposium: “This gathering is more than a celebration—it is a call to action. It reminds us that we must continue to lead with vision, collaborate with purpose, and invest in the success of our students, who are the future of the agricultural enterprise and global food systems.”

Tours of the FAMU Viticulture Center, Community Garden, and Black Archives provided immersive educational experiences that connected students with the university’s research and cultural heritage.

The symposium concluded with a student case study competition, where teams presented innovative solutions to real-world challenges in workforce development and education. Winners were recognized for excellence in problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.

For more information about the 1890 Center of Excellence for Student Success and Workforce Development and upcoming events, visit our website.

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