James F. Evans Collection, The shared hopes of farm ownership in America motivated many Black farmers and educators during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Although an independent Black yeomanry was not to be, and a host of factors have combined to remove Black Americans from farming, the quest has not been a vain one. Black land-grant institutions continue to redefine their mission in a changing world and in the process maintain their relevancy. (original).
James F. Evans Collection, Research and extension program priorities of land-grant colleges of agriculture have received considerable attention over the past several decades. In contrast, undergraduate education has received comparatively little attention. However, this may be changing. Negative publicity about declining undergraduate enrollments and stressed budgets for agricultural college teaching programs at some institutions are leading some deans and faculties alike to examine their undergraduate programs and consider how curricula and courses can better meet student and employer needs. Unless this is done, research and extension programs, as well as teaching programs, will be adversely affected. (original)
