Providing coordination between the USDA and UMES, an 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Institution, is the primary focus of USDA Liaison Officer Lisa C. Purnell. Since her arrival on campus Summer 2008, she has recruited and mentored select high school students who are interested in USDA employment opportunities. In addition to recruiting students, she is charged with identifying and supporting collaborative projects between UMES and the USDA and with developing new approaches for the USDA to reach small-scale, limited-resourced, and minority farmers.
An alumna of the university, Purnell manages the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program for UMES. For the 2019-2020 academic year, a rigorous selection process, wherein students across the nation applied for the privilege of attending one of the 1890 institutions, yielded three 1890 scholars for UMES.
Tyler Reid, James Pinkney, and Jailynn Britt have been awarded full scholarships, which include tuition, fees, room and board, books, a laptop computer, a printer, software, professional development, and employment with the federal government during each of the four academic years.
Next month’s newsletter will feature the three.
