Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions Advisory Council
EPA established the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions Advisory Council (HBCU-MSI AC) in 2023 to provide independent advice and recommendations to the Administrator on how to increase EPA's efforts to leverage the expertise within Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions (HBCU-MSI’s) and provide opportunities to HBCUs and MSIs to help diversify the agency’s workforce and nurture the next generation of environmental leaders and ensure that these vital institutions of higher learning have the resources and support to continue to thrive for generations to come. MSIs are institutions of higher education that serve minority populations and include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Asian American and Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANHPISIs).
Authority of the HBCU-MSI AC
HBCU-MSI AC was established by the Office of the Administrator at EPA. As such, this is a discretionary committee and will operate under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. 10.
HBCU-MSI AC Membership
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan has selected 20 individuals to serve in the inaugural cohort of members to the HBCU-MSI AC. Members were selected from a variety of sectors including but not limited to representatives from business and industry, academia, non-governmental organizations, and local, county, and tribal governments that have experience working at or in partnership with HBCUs and/or MSIs. These members represent a diverse set of experiences and expertise in environmental and climate issues, academia, workforce development, and much more.
Members will serve for two-year terms and will not be paid per federal advisory committee protocol, since they serve as representatives on the HBCU-MSI AC. For in-person commitments, EPA will pay for travel, lodging, and per diem.
Designated Federal Officer
Rhonda Wright
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Public Engagement and Environmental Education
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: 202-500-1291
Email: hbcu-msi.ac@epa.gov
Media Inquiries: Please contact press@epa.gov