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TRANSFORMATION THROUGH INNOVATION
GOAL #3
Transformation Through Innovation
Understanding the rapidly evolving shift in student and staff needs, Alcorn is dedicated to being intentional in its work to evolve and continuously embrace a culture of innovation.
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION HIGHLIGHTS
USAID Commitment Propels Alcorn’s Agricultural Research
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Alcorn State University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate increased collaboration and promote a shared pursuit of more inclusive and sustainable social and economic development, with a particular focus on research in the areas of agriculture, climate change, and science and technology.
This partnership is the most recent action under USAID’s MinorityServing Institution Partnership Initiative and will invite Alcorn students to explore careers in public service through internships, fellowships, and other career opportunities. In addition, this MOU will harness Alcorn’s expertise and cutting-edge research capabilities in sustainable watershed systems, agricultural research, and climate change analytics.
USDA Agricultural Research Service
Faculty members from the Department of Agriculture at Alcorn State University showcased their scientific research during a collaborative meeting with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) division of Agriculture Research Service (ARS). Archie Tucker, director of the USDA Agriculture Resource Service Southeast Region in Stoneville, Mississippi, was in attendance to listen to the presentations and expressed a desire to partner on research collaborations with Alcorn faculty, staff, and students going forward.
“It felt good to be on campus and hear Alcorn’s scientists talk about their research. ARS is here to listen and look for opportunities to collaborate with Alcorn faculty, staff, and students. We hope to make research collaborations going forward.”
1890s MOU Signing
Dr. Nave joined USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and Dr. Paul Jones, Chair of 1890s Presidents Council — an organization comprised of presidents and chancellors of Historically Black Colleges and Universities along with other 1890s Presidents for the historic signing of a MOU to reaffirm and strengthen the ongoing relationship between the 1890s community and USDA through cooperation and partnership. Alcorn received 73% increase in research dollars.
IBM Partnership
Alcorn State University secured a multimillion-dollar partnership with IBM on an educational and outreach program designed to develop cutting-edge technological skills that align with evolving industry demands and trends. The grant allows students and faculty to expand the tangible skills they need for today’s IT workforce and the jobs of the future.
The IBM Skills Academy is a comprehensive, integrated program delivered through an education portal designed to create a foundation of diverse and high-demand skill sets that directly correlate to what students will need in a high-tech workplace. The learning tracks address advanced topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, data science, and quantum computing. The partnership will also focus on research innovation, global collaboration, and job skills and recruiting.
$2.9 MILLION CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT
Automated Laptop Dispensing Kiosks
As a result of the classroom technology investment and to remove any obstacles to student success, Alcorn now offers free laptop vending machines where students can check out and return a laptop, with options for long-term rentals. The kiosks securely store, recharge, and wipe clean all computing devices.
