EPA Administrator Announces Members of Inaugural HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council

UNCF Assistant Vice President Rev. Dr. Darryl Ann Lai Fang and three UNCF-member college presidents have been appointed to serve on the council

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the members of the inaugural historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and minority serving institutions (MSIs) 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. This is the Agency’s first ever HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council.

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is represented on the panel by the Rev. Dr. Darryl Ann Lai Fang, assistant vice president, transformation support, 

Institute for Capacity Building.

“The future starts today,” said Lai Fang. “I am honored to be in the company of the prestigious leaders of higher education. I believe that our collective voice now will be the catalyst for shaping our future.”

There are also three UNCF-member schools with individuals who have been appointed to the 20-member HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council to serve two-year terms:

• Dr. Mark Brown, president and CEO, Tuskegee University 
• Dr. Melva Wallace, president and CEO, Huston-Tillotson University 
• Dr. Vann Newkirk, president, Wilberforce University 

“We are honored to have such a distinguished group of leaders join the first-ever HBCU-MSI Advisory Council,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “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.” 

“Including the voices of HBCUs in the EPA’s new Federal Advisory Council reflect EPA’s commitment to achieving real results that empower students and support the communities that HBCUs serve and deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government investment efforts in HBCUs,” said Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12). “These actions ensure those who have firsthand experience with environmental justice issues like asthma and lead service line replacement will have a say in how we clean up the nation’s air and water and will help build a clean energy economy that benefits everyone.” 

The HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council will provide independent advice and recommendations to 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 the EPA’s efforts to address environmental justice issues and enhance community engagement.

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

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About UNCF 

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. While totaling only 3% of all colleges and universities, UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 15% of bachelor’s degrees, 5% of master’s degrees, 10% of doctoral degrees and 19% of all STEM degrees earned by Black students in higher education. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 50,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark is, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”^® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on X (formerly Twitter) at @UNCF.