1890 Universities Foundation Names Jewel Bronaugh as Its President & CEO

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Today, the 1890 Universities Foundation announced that Jewel H. Bronaugh, Ph.D., former Deputy Secretary for the US Department of Agriculture will serve as the next president and CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation effective January 1, 2024. Bronaugh will succeed Dr. Mort Neufville, who served for seven years as the 1890 Foundation's first president and will retire at the end of December 2023. Dr. Bronaugh arrives at the Foundation with an extensive background in agriculture and higher education. She brings exceptional experience and an appreciation for the 1890 land-grant mission. Prior to her appointment to Deputy Secretary for USDA in 2021, Dr. Bronaugh served as the 16th commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services from 2018-2021. She has had a distinguished 20-year career in higher education while serving in several leadership positions at Virginia State University (VSU) including Dean of the College of Agriculture and executive director of the VSU Center for Agricultural Research, Engagement and Outreach (CAREO). Dr. Bronaugh recently returned to VSU to assume the role of senior advisor to the Dean for Land-Grant Initiatives at the College of Agriculture.

"We are elated and proud to announce the selection of Dr. Jewel Bronaugh as the next President and CEO for the 1890 Universities Foundation," said Dr. Makola Abdullah, President of Virginia State University, who led the CEO search committee and previously served as Chair of the 1890 Universities Foundation's Board of Directors. "I have known and worked closely with Jewel during her tenure at Virginia State University and I've seen firsthand her dedication to advancing the land-grant mission and the vital role our 1890 Universities play in supporting our communities. We know the 1890 Foundation will be in good hands under her skillful leadership." "Dr. Bronaugh brings the perfect blend of exceptional credentials, strategic thinking, and a spirit of collaboration. All are combined with proven executive leadership to advance the important role of the 1890 Foundation in supporting the community of 19Strong 1890 Universities while focusing on securing long-term organizational sustainability," said Dr. Paul Jones, President of Fort Valley State University and Chair of the 1890 Universities Foundation's Board of Directors.