Haskell Career Counselor Appointed Member of Inaugural HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council

Contact Information

Jonathan Klusmeyer (klusmeyer.jonathan@epa.gov)

913-343-2991

LENEXA, KAN. (SEPT. 19, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the members of the inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions (HBCU-MSI) Federal Advisory Council.

This council marks a significant milestone in EPA’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within environmental policymaking and workforce development. Career Services Counselor Angelina Adams of Haskell Indian Nations University was appointed to serve a two-year term.

The HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council will provide independent advice and recommendations to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan on strategies to help diversify the Agency’s workforce, support the professional development of environmental leaders, and ensure that HBCUs and MSIs receive the resources and support they need to thrive. The council’s insights will be crucial in guiding EPA’s efforts to address environmental justice issues and enhance community engagement.

“We are honored to have such a distinguished group of leaders join the first-ever HBCU-MSI Advisory Council,” Regan said. “Each member brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a deep commitment to advancing environmental justice and helping to diversify contributions to environmental policies. Their unique perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to ensure that all communities have a voice in our shared work to protect public health and the environment, to empower the next generation of environmental leaders, and to support these vital institutions for generations to come.”

“Angelina Adams’ perspective as an Indigenous individual and her experiences at Haskell Indian Nations University will contribute to the representation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) in EPA’s decision-making processes at both the regional and national levels,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meghan A. McCollister. “She has been a fierce advocate for her students while highlighting the importance of preparing them to engage in the stewardship of land and resource management. Additionally, her collaboration with EPA has provided valuable insights into effectively engaging with students at a minority-serving institution and Indigenous communities, leading to positive outcomes for tribal communities. We look forward to the impact Adams’ appointment will have on our communities in Region 7.”

“I am very honored to accept this position, and I couldn’t have done it without the Haskell Students,” Adams said.

The HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council (FAC) is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s broader efforts to promote equity in economic and educational opportunities, protect public health, and preserve the environment. Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), which include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs); Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs); and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANHPISIs), play a critical role in educating and preparing diverse leaders.

The establishment of the HBCU-MSI FAC supports President Biden’s Executive Order 14035, which seeks to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the federal workforce. This Executive Order underscores the importance of a federal workforce that reflects the full diversity of the American people. The HBCU-MSI FAC aligns with this vision, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to shaping EPA’s policies and practices.

The following individuals have been appointed to the HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council to serve two-year terms:

1. Chair: Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, Managing Partner, AHK Global Resources
2. Vice Chair: Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder and Executive Director, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
3. Vice Chair: Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, President, California State University, Fresno
4. Vice Chair: Heather Himmelberger, Director, University of New Mexico Southwest Environmental Finance Center
5. Abre’ Conner, Esq., Director, Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
6. Dr. Andrew Kozich, Environmental Science Department Chair, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College
7. Angelina Adams, Counselor, Career Services, Haskell Indian Nations University
8. Dr. Darryl Ann Lai Fang, Assistant Vice President of Transformation Support, Institute for Capacity Building, United Negro College Fund
9. Dr. Eric O’Rear, Senior Research Analyst, Rhodium Group
10. C. Gail Bassette, Director of Economic Development/Strategic Engagement, Bowie State University
11. Phil Weilerstein, President and CEO, VentureWell
12. Dr. Jerryl Briggs, President, Mississippi Valley State University
13. Dr. Lena T. Rodriguez, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
14. Dr. Mark Brown, President and CEO, Tuskegee University
15. Dr. Melva Wallace, President and CEO, Huston-Tillotson University
16. Michael Johnson, Chief of Staff, PROPEL Center
17. Dr. Mike Hoa Nguyen, Member, Board of Directors, Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education and Assistant Professor of Education, New York University
18. Ray Shackelford, Vice President for Equitable Justice and Strategic Initiatives, National Urban League
19. Dr. Sharon Jones, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, University of Washington Bothell
20. Dr. Vann Newkirk, President, Wilberforce University

For more information about the HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council and EPA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, please visit our webpage or reach out to us at HBCU-MSI.AC@epa.gov.

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