Submitted by College of Agriculture
Dr. Jewel Bronaugh
ETTRICK, VA.— Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, former Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has returned to Virginia State University (VSU) after five years to assume the role of senior advisor to the Dean for Land-grant Initiatives at the College of Agriculture.
Dr. Bronaugh’s homecoming signifies a pivotal moment for the university as she leverages her immense expertise to advance the strategic goals of strengthening partnerships and cultivating the next generation of leaders by executing the vision of leading a new center of transformational leadership and community impact.
“I am excited for this new chapter at Virginia State University (VSU) College of Agriculture,” said Dr. Bronaugh. “Returning to VSU, where my leadership journey and career in agriculture began, is an incredibly gratifying ‘full circle moment’ for me. Alongside Interim Dean Robert N. Corley, III, and President Makola Abdullah, my vision for the Center of Transformational Leadership and Community Impact is to spearhead a transformative movement that empowers communities and cultivates the leaders of tomorrow, with the College of Agriculture paving the path towards excellence.”
During her tenure at the USDA, she held a prominent leadership role overseeing a department comprising 29 agencies and a workforce of over 100,000 employees nationwide. Additionally, Bronaugh led international agricultural trade missions in the United Kingdom and East Africa, playing a vital role in strengthening export and trade relationships for U.S. farm businesses and organizations.
Her firsthand experience and knowledge of the agricultural industry, both domestically and internationally, will be instrumental in her new role as senior advisor to the Dean for land-grant initiatives. Dr. Bronaugh will draw upon this expertise to forge partnerships, facilitate collaboration, and advance the strategic goals of the College of Agriculture. Her contributions will help guide the community transformation and change envisioned by the college.
“We are happy to have Dr. Bronaugh at the forefront of our efforts,” said Robert N. Corley, III, interim dean and 1890 Administrator of the College of Agriculture. “The Center for Transformational Leadership and Community Impact will be vital in cultivating the next generation of leaders within our communities. By fostering innovation and embracing a community-focused approach, we are confident that this center will shape a brighter future right here in our backyard.”
Dr. Bronaugh’s connection to VSU runs deep. Growing up in Petersburg, she began her agricultural journey as a 4-H Extension specialist with Virginia Cooperative Extension at VSU. She later served as the Dean of the College of Agriculture for five years, overseeing Extension at VSU, the Agricultural Research Station, and three academic departments within the college.
As Dr. Bronaugh returns to her roots at VSU, the campus and the next generation of leaders eagerly anticipate the positive impact she will make in shaping the future of agriculture and community development.
