ITTA BENA, MS – Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) is proud to announce that Dr. Jerryl Briggs, President of MVSU, has been appointed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) newly established Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) Federal Advisory Council.
This pioneering council is dedicated to empowering HBCUs and MSIs in federal environmental programs, instilling hope for a more inclusive and sustainable future. It is a platform that ensures the voices and needs of these institutions are heard and acted upon in the nation's environmental policymaking.
Dr. Briggs, who has served as MVSU's 8th president since 2017, brings over 35 years of higher education leadership experience to the council. His commitment to student success and community development has positioned him as a national advocate for the continued growth and success of HBCUs and MSIs. Under his leadership, MVSU has expanded its academic programs and strengthened partnerships, preparing students to become leaders in their fields.
Reflecting on his selection, Dr. Briggs expressed his enthusiasm for this new role:
"I am deeply honored to be selected as a member of the EPA's inaugural HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council. This opportunity to contribute to the intersection of education and environmental justice is a significant step toward ensuring that our communities, especially those at HBCUs and MSIs, are not only represented but also equipped to lead in environmental sustainability efforts,” said Briggs.
“I look forward to working with my fellow council members to address our communities' environmental challenges and advocate for the necessary resources and policies to make a lasting impact,” he added.
The HBCU-MSI FAC will provide independent advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on how HBCUs and MSIs can help identify barriers to employment opportunities, nurture the next generation of environmental leaders, and ensure that these institutions have the resources and support to thrive for future generations.
The EPA's HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council comprises 20 esteemed leaders from various sectors, including academia, government, and nonprofits. The council members represent a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to their work. The leadership structure includes one Chair and three Vice Chairs, and the council will provide a critical platform for fostering collaboration between the EPA and educational institutions across the country. In addition to Dr. Briggs, the inaugural council members include:
- Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, Managing Partner, AHK Global Resources (Chair)
- Heather Himmelberger, Director, University of New Mexico Southwest Environmental Finance Center (Vice Chair)
- Beverly Wright, Founder and Executive Director, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (Vice Chair)
- Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, President, California State University – Fresno (Vice Chair)
- Abre Conner, Director, Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, NAACP
- Andrew Kozich, Environmental Science Department Chair, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College
- Angelina Adams, Counselor – Career Services, Haskell Indian Nations University
- Darryl Ann Lai Fang, Senior Director of Strategy Execution, UNCF
- Eric O’Rear, Senior Research Analyst, Rhodium Group
- Gail Bassette, Director of Economic Development/Strategic Engagement, Bowie State University
- Lena Rodriguez, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
- Mark Brown, President and CEO, Tuskegee University
- Melva Wallace, President, Huston-Tillotson University
- Michael Johnson, Chief of Staff, PROPEL Center
- Mike Hoa Nguyen, Member, Board of Trustees, Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education
- Ray Shackelford, Vice President for Equitable Justice and Strategic Initiatives, National Urban League
- Sharon Jones, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, University of Washington – Bothell
- Vann Newkirk, President, Wilberforce University
- Phil Weilerstein, President and CEO, VentureWell
These distinguished professionals will work together to provide guidance and recommendations to the EPA on increasing the participation of HBCUs and MSIs in federal environmental programs, focusing on sustainability, environmental justice, and academic advancement.
About Mississippi Valley State University
Mississippi Valley State University is a public, coeducational institution in Itta Bena, Mississippi. As one of the nation's premier HBCUs, MVSU provides a high-quality, affordable education and prepares students for leadership roles in a rapidly changing global society.