UAPB Alumnus/Former Dean, Appointed to USDA Equity Commission

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The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) recently announced Dr. Hazell Reed, former dean of the School of Agriculture, Home Economics and Technology (currently the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences), was recently appointed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Equity Commission. According to the USDA, the 15-member independent commission is charged with evaluating department programs and services and recommending ways to reduce barriers to access.

Dr. Reed, who lives in Pine Bluff, was one of two Arkansans appointed to the Equity Commission. Ron Rainey, assistant vice president of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, was also chosen to serve.

“The committee recently met for our first planning session,” Dr. Reed said. “We are developing a formal process through which we can advise the USDA and Secretary of Agriculture on practices that contribute to inclusion and access to USDA programs. We are in the organization stage and will eventually provide actionable recommendations to modify the culture and structure of the USDA to reduce any disparities.”

Dr. Reed served as dean of the School of Agriculture, Home Economics, and Technology from 1985 to 1989. During his tenure, he provided leadership for the program that would grow into UAPB’s Small Farm Program. The program was designed to provide technical assistance to limited resource producers. Program staff provided administrative support to vegetable producers and worked to create a structure that would allow them to improve their operations.

“Outreach to producers involved everything from workshops and field demonstrations to disseminating information on organic gardening or how to prepare taxes,” Dr. Reed said. “We eventually hired Dr. Henry English as director of the program. He was the best candidate and has expanded the program tremendously, reaching a greater number of counties and producers. Kudos to him for the work he has done.”

Dr. Reed served as UAPB’s vice chancellor for international affairs from 1989 to 1992. During that time, he established international academic programs, developed non-degree international training programs, and helped secure 975 acres of land for UAPB research and outreach.

Some of Dr. Reed’s other career roles included vice chancellor for research and economic development and vice chancellor for graduate education and research for North Carolina Central University; senior administrator for research and federal relations and dean for the School of Graduate Studies and Research for Delaware State University; and Extension horticulture specialist for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

Following his retirement in 2015, he became executive director for the National Black Growers Council. In this position, he is responsible for providing administrative leadership for the organization’s overall operation.