EPA is Committed to Supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

February 23, 2022

HBCUs have produced some of the greatest minds in American history. As we work towards our EPA mission of protecting human health and the environment, these vital institutions are helping us lead the charge.

That’s why Administrator Michael S. Regan directed EPA to create an internal council to identify ways our agency can enhance opportunities for recruitment of students from HBCUs. From providing support to schools through grants, contracts, transparent data sharing, and community engagement, consistent with the law, to addressing climate change and advancing environmental justice.

As alumni of HBCUs ourselves (Rosemary attended Spelman College and Fred attended Shaw University), we’re proud to serve as co-chairs of this HBCU Council. The Administrator’s commitment to these important institutions is personal for us, too. 

Administrator Regan is a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University (Aggie Pride, he’d want us to say!) – and just one of the many leaders in a long history of scientific minds cultivated by HBCUs.  He has tasked the agency with developing a more holistic approach to how EPA engages with and supports HBCUs. This council is comprised of volunteer staff from EPA headquarters and program and regional offices. Over the next few months, we will work collaboratively to identify opportunities for stronger recruitment, more supportive resources, and increased community engagement.

As we celebrate Black History Month, EPA also recognizes the essential role HBCUs have played in building the fabric of our nation. HBCUs were established to provide higher education to predominantly Black students who were refused admission to existing colleges and universities. The first HBCU, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, was established in 1837. Today, more than 100 institutions serve as a cornerstone, source of pride, and a community-builder for generations of students – regardless of race or national origin.

We’re excited to work with partners across the country, from the HBCU Climate Change Consortium to individual schools, to hear from you about how EPA can be a better partner in this work. We know personally from our times at Spelman and Shaw the depth of talent housed at HBCUs, and we’re thrilled to begin this work together.

As leaders of the HBCU Council, we are eager to help strengthen the agency’s commitment to the next generation of science leaders.

To celebrate this announcement, we’ll be highlighting HBCU alumni working across EPA. Be sure to check out our EPA Facebook and Twitter to learn about these impressive folks, and to stay updated on everything the HBCU Council is doing.

About the Author

Rosemary Enobakhare
Associate Administrator
Office of Public Engagement and Environmental Education (OPEEE)

Rosemary Enobakhare was appointed by President Biden to serve as the Associate Administrator for the Office of Public Engagement and Environmental Education at EPA. Prior to joining the EPA, Rosemary served on the Energy and Environments appointments team for the Biden-Harris Transition and in various roles at the Hub Project and Clean Water for All Coalition. Rosemary was previously appointed by the Obama Administration to serve as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Public Engagement and Environmental Education at EPA. She is a native of Jackson, Mississippi and received her bachelor’s degree in Economics from Spelman College.

About the Author

Frederick Thompson
Acting Deputy Regional Administrator
Region 4 (Southeast)

Fred Thompson is the Acting Deputy Regional Administrator for EPA Region 4 in Atlanta, Georgia. In this capacity, he provides leadership on the implementation and direction of Region 4 programs in the southeast. Fred has over 30 years of managerial, leadership and technical experience at EPA. Prior to assuming the Acting Deputy Regional Administrator position, Fred was the Associate Office Director of the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS). In this position, he created and led the organization’s workforce and succession planning programs, managed activities involving employee development and workforce engagement and established initiatives to support Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. Fred earned a master's degree in public administration from the American University and a bachelor's degree in business management from Shaw University.