Former VSU Dean of Agriculture nominated as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY, VA — Former Virginia State University (VSU) Dean of the College of Agriculture, Dr. Jewel (Hairston) Bronaugh has been nominated to serve as the new Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The United States Deputy Secretary of Agriculture is the second-highest ranking official in the USDA and runs the day-to-day operations of the almost 100,000 employee department. Dr. Bronaugh is one of five women nominated today by the Biden Administration to serve in the number two spot as Deputy Secretary at key Cabinet agencies.
“As President of Virginia State University and Chair of the Council of 1890 Presidents, I am exceedingly pleased and excited about this announcement,” said Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. “Dr. Bronaugh brings an unparalleled skill set and an abundance of knowledge to this critical position. She knows agriculture, the 1890s Land Grant system and understands the importance of our mission. We look forward to supporting her and working with her to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.”
Dr. Bronaugh began her career at VSU in 2001. She is the former Executive Director to VSU’s Center for Agricultural Research, Engagement and Outreach (CAREO). Prior to that position, she served as Dean of VSU’s College of Agriculture for 5 years and as the Associate Administrator of Cooperative Extension. She also served as State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency.
An integral part of the new VSU Strategic Plan is to Enhance the Land Grant Mission of the University. The goal is to elevate the agricultural research, cooperative extension operations and agricultural academic areas to carry out the land-grant mission for the University throughout the community, the Commonwealth, nationally and globally. The USDA helps to further the VSU mission through its programs and as it implements policies and regulations related to American farming, forestry, ranching, food quality, and nutrition.
All nominees must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
