INFORMATION BRIEF
The Universities
To satisfy the need for additional funds to support instruction at land grant institutions that had been established in 1862, Congress passed the second Morrill Act of 1890. With the industrial revolution taking shape and there being a need for educational reforms, Congress wisely included a stipulation in the second Morrill Act that African Americans were to be included in the U.S. higher educational system without discrimination. This requirement was partially addressed by the seventeen southern and border states by founding at least a second land grant institution in each, which would be accessible to African Americans, as set forth in the Act. These institutions became known as the "Negro Land Grant Institutions," now more commonly known as the 1890 Land Grant Universities and Tuskegee University, or the 1890s, which include Tuskegee. The 1890 Land Grant Universities have distinguished themselves in providing exemplary programs in research, education, extension, and other public service and continue to be at the forefront in producing minority human capital for the food and agricultural sciences. These campuses offer complex, specialized, advanced, technologically-oriented, sound and pertinent programs. While keeping pace with mainstream education and cutting-edge educational advancement, the 1890s also focus on viable research programs that are directed to societal needs and increasing diversity within the human resource capital. Additionally, the 1890s have a major role in developing, supporting, and enhancing specific knowledge on limited resource/small-scale farming in the United States.
The Association
The Association of Research Directors, Inc. (ARD) is a federation of research administrators of eighteen (18) autonomous land grant Institutions. The ARD assists in providing coordination of research initiatives and the associated education and training among member Institutions in cooperation with partners from federal, state and local government entities, non-government entities, and the private sector. The ARD holds membership in the State Agricultural Experiment Station System (SAES) of the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges (NASULGC).
The ARD Mission
The ARD is integrally involved in creating a society where all people have opportunities for wholesome living and learning through responsible pursuits of their goals and aspirations. To accomplish this, the food and agricultural research mission of the ARD is to:
Provide visionary and enlightened leadership to member institutions as they continuously address issues impacting their ability to accomplish the food and agricultural research challenges facing the state, nation and world-at-large.
Primary attention is given to a broad-based research agenda and institutions' capabilities in targeted areas that address the needs of all people in society but in particular, those who are socio-economically deprived.
The ARD is committed to:
- Innovative research programs that provide effective and efficient solutions to quality of life problems affecting individuals, families and communities
- Development of society-ready graduates who are uniquely trained and in demand to tackle the diverse issues impacting the nation and the world
- Enhancement of the socioeconomic condition of individuals, families and communities in targeted regions
- Service as regional and national leaders in addressing the needs and challenges facing rural and urban communities as well as limited resource farmers
The first ARD Research Symposium was held in 1976 to commemorate the United States’ Bicentennial and to showcase the varied accomplishments of research scientists and students at the 1890 Institutions. Similarly, the 15th Biennial Research Symposium will provide opportunities for scientists and students to present research papers and posters that share innovative and practical research findings in the food and agricultural sciences.
The 15th Symposium will be held on March 28 - April 1, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Atlanta, GA. This Symposium is expected to attract more than 600 participants and more than 400 research papers and posters will be presented. A major highlight of the Symposium will be the presentation of awards, especially the Morrison-Evans Outstanding Scientist Award and the B. D. Mayberry Young Scientist Award. Other activities include (a) General, Plenary, and Concurrent Breakout Sessions, (b) Student Competitive Paper and Poster Sessions, (c) Scientists’ Paper and Poster Sessions, (d) Award Programs, (e) Exhibits by colleges and universities, government agencies, and private industry, and (f) special initiatives for students.
Focusing on the theme of the Symposium, “1890 Research: Sustainable Solutions for the 21st Century,” research papers and posters will be presented in five areas:
• Food Safety, Human Nutrition and Health
• Renewable Resources and Environmental Stewardship
• Small Scale Agriculture and Rural Development
• Emerging Technologies
• Human Sciences
Request for Support
Support is sought through grants, exhibitors, and sponsors for food and award events and student-related activities. In addition to providing financial support, the 15th Biennial Research Symposium provides an excellent opportunity for colleges and universities, agencies, firms, organizations, etc. to establish and/or expand relationships with the ARD and the 1890 Institutions. We invite you to take advantage of this educational and engagement opportunity.
Contact Information: For additional information, you may contact:
Dr. Alfred L. Parks, Symposium Steering Committee Chair
Prairie View A&M University
Jesse H and Mary Gibbs Jones Bldg., Room 010
Prairie View, TX 77446-0519
Phone: 936/261-5039
FAX: 936/261-9975
E-Mail: alparks@pvamu.edu
Dr. Carolyn B. Brooks
Executive Director
Association of Research Directors, Inc.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Room 3003, Hazel Hall
Princess Anne, MD 21853
Phone: 410/200-4566
FAX: 410/621-3550
E-Mail: cbbrooks@umes.edu