Allen, Joyce E.

English

Research Papers in Economics

SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS  JULY 1990
1890 INSTITUTIONS  IN  A CHANGING  SOCIOECONOMIC
ENVIRONMENT:  IMPLICATIONS  FOR HUMAN  RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT:  DISCUSSION
Joyce E. Allen
Jones and Parks have prepared an interesting and  importantly, the poverty rate for black children (i.e.,
thought-provoking  paper  on the historically  black  under  18  years  of age)  was  an  astounding  44.2
land-grant colleges and universities (commonly re-  percent in 1988.
ferred to as the 1890 institutions). They describe the  Education has played a crucial role in the limited
mission of land-grant  universities, trace the devel-  economic progress that blacks have achieved. Nev-
opment of a dual  system  in the southern  states  to  ertheless, equal access to higher education continues
accomplish  that mission,  address  the  contribution  to be an elusive goal  for many blacks.  During the
and role of 1890 institutions,  review problems fac-  1960s and early- to mid-1970s, the college enroll-
ing land-grant universities,  and offer a prescription  ment of blacks (age  14 to 34 years) was on the rise.
for change. The authors have examined some impor-  By  1977, blacks accounted for 10.8 percent of per-
tant issues. However,  some are addressed in a cur-  sons enrolled in college (U.S. Bureau of the Census,
sory  manner  due  to the  brevity  of the  paper.  For  1988).  In  1988  (the latest year  for which data are
example,  in  the  section  on  contribution  and role,  available),  their proportion  was only  10.2 percent.
Jones  and  Parks do  not emphasize  that  the  1890  Although the proportion of blacks graduating  from
institutions are unique. That is, they are a different  high school has been increasing, a smaller share has
product  from  the  1862  institutions  or historically  been enrolling in colleges and universities. Reasons
white land-grant universities. Consequently, it is not  behind  the relative  decline  in  enrollment  include
clear  from  their paper  why  the  1890  institutions  reduction  in the  availability  of Federal  aid and  a
should  continue  to  exist  as  separate  universities  change in the composition  of aid (e.g.,  from grants
within  the  land-grant  system.  In  my  comments,  I  to loans).
will attempt to highlight  the unique characteristics  Researchers at the Hudson Institute have assessed
of the 1890 institutions and emphasize why they are  the education and skill levels that workers  will need
of critical importance  today.  in the year  2000  and identified  key  labor market
trends that will shape the last years of the twentieth
UNIQUE CONTRIBUTIONS  OF 1890  century. Their findings have implications for the role
~~INSTITUTIONS  ^of 1890 institutions. They suggest that (1) the work-
It is useful  to  examine  the  contributions  of the  force  will grow slowly,  becoming older,  more fe-
1890  institutions  within  the  framework of signifi-  male, and more disadvantaged, and (2) the new jobs
cant changes that have already occurred in the social  in service industries will demand much higher skill
and  economic  structure of this country  and  those  levels than the jobs of today. Further,  they indicate
changes  that are likely to occur  in the near future.  that nonwhites will represent about 30 percent of the
Recent data indicate that blacks, particularly black  net additions to the workforce between 1985 and the
children, are in a precarious economic position. This  year  2000.  In addition,  more than  half of the new
does not bode well for the country as a whole, since  jobs that will be created during  this period are ex-
the  state of the nation's economy  is determined  in  pected  to  require  some  education  beyond  high
part by the skills and education level of its citizens.  school. About  a third of the jobs will be filled by
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that prog-  college  graduates,  compared  with  less  than  one
ress was made in the 1960s in reducing the incidence  fourth (22 percent) in the mid- 1980s.
of poverty among blacks. However,  since then, the  Projected  job trends  coupled  with  demographic
poverty rate  for  blacks  has  remained  persistently  trends indicate that more highly skilled workers are
high,  ranging from  about 30  to 36  percent.  More  needed  today  than  in  the  past  and  that  increased
Joyce E. Allen is a Senior Research Associate  with the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.
Invited paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern Agricultural Economics Association, Little Rock, Arkansas,  February
3-7, 1990. Invited papers are routinely published in the July SJAE without editorial council review but with review of the Editor (as per
Executive Committee action June 25,  1982).
Copyright  1990, Southern Agricultural Economics Association.
65employment opportunities  may be available for mi-  and universities.  Given  the  demographic  and job
norities. Unfortunately,  a high proportion  of black  trends cited above, these benefits may become more
children  are economically  and  socially  disadvan-  valuable in the future.
taged, which could affect their access to high quality
education  and  training.  Moreover,  unless  present  AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS  AT THE
trends  are  reversed,  a  smaller  proportion  of them  1890 INSTITUTIONS
will be  attending  college  and obtaining  the  skills  J  , Jones  and Parks  rely  heavily  on literature  (e.g.,
needed to compete in the job market. In the past, the  Schuh; Connor) that questions the relevance ofland-
1890 institutions  (and other historically  black col-  grant institutions.  They  suggest that  this  literature
leges) have educated  a disproportionate  number of  has the following common theme: "Changing soci-
the disadvantaged. Current trends indicate that they  etal conditions mandate that colleges of agriculture
may need to continue this mission in the future.  change their focus  or they will cease to be relevant,
There is much literature that documents  the posi-  and thus their continued existence will be in danger."
tive contributions of black colleges and universities  However,  I would caution  against any assumption
in  educating black  students,  especially  those who  that a similar situation exists in the 1890 institutions.
are  disadvantaged  (see,  for example, Cheek;  Gari-  Some of the problems that Jones and Parks cite (e.g.,
baldi;  National  Advisory  Committee  on  Black  discontinuance  of  agricultural  instructional  pro-
Higher  Education  and Black  Colleges and Univer-  grams at some  1890 institutions)  may be related to
sities). Jones and Parks note, "By all accounts,  1890  declining enrollment rather than the type of malaise
institutions,  along  with the  other historically  black  that Schuh describes.  Moreover, the study by McD-
colleges  and universities,  have and continue  to be  owell and Evans shows  that five of the  seventeen
the higher education institutions from which a vastly  1890 institutions established a master's degree pro-
disproportionate number of blacks receive their bac-  gram  in agricultural  economics  or agribusiness  in
calaureate degrees."  the past decade, which suggests that the agricultural
Studies  (e.g.,  Brazziel)  show  that  a  dis-  economics  programs in  some  of these institutions
proportionately high percentage of blacks who have  are not in decline.
earned Ph.D.s received their bachelor's degree from  Schuh argues that it is  time for land-grant univer-
historically black colleges  and universities.  An ex-  sities  to regain relevance because  there is a perva-
amination of the educational background of persons  sive attitude in the universities that "applied work is
listed in the  1989 Directory of Black Agricultural  not important; publishing for professional peers and
Economists indicates  that  this  holds  true for  the  consulting  for  the  highest paying  firm  or govern-
agricultural  economics discipline (AAEA Commit-  ment agency are the priority tasks"  (p. 6). He further
tee  on  the  Opportunities  and Status  of Blacks  in  states  that  "today  the  criterion  for  promotion  is
Agricultural Economics).  publishing in scholarly journals.  In turn people are
Two recent studies (Allen;  Fleming) of black un-  self- and peer-oriented.  They do not feel a responsi-
dergraduate  students  at  predominantly  black  col-  bility  to  contribute  to  the  institutional  mission  of
leges  and  those  at  predominantly  white  colleges  solving society's problems."
provide  further  evidence  of some  of the  positive  Publications  about  the research  program  at  the
impacts of black colleges.  Sociologist Walter Allen  1890 institutions lead one to question if the obser-
of  the  University  of  Michigan  concluded  that,  vations  made by  Schuh are germane  to these insti-
"black colleges offer a more nurturing academic and  tutions.  Two reports  in particular  [Development of
social  environment,  and  graduate  proportionally  Research at Historically  Black Land-Grant  Institu-
larger numbers of black students. They also provide  tions (Mayberry)  and  Progress and Productivity
students  with  the  skills and self-confidence neces-  Through Research and Service: Agricultural Re-
sary  to compete effectively in graduate and profes-  search at the 1890 Institutions] emphasize that most
sional schools, as well as in the world of work." This  1890 institutions conduct research on the problems
is not to  suggest that black students  should  attend  confronting limited-resource farmers and rural pop-
only predominantly  black colleges and universities  ulations. In fact, a review of the research projects at
but simply  points out that there are many positive  the 1890 institutions clearly shows that these insti-
benefits  that accrue  to society as  a result of main-  tutions  are  focusing  on  problems  that  affect  the
taining  1890  and other historically  black  colleges  economic  well-being  of  disadvantaged  persons.
66Further,  since the  1890  institutions did not receive  This information is needed to assess better the direc-
sustained Federal funding for research until 1977, it  tion in which the various institutions are moving.
is unlikely that a "publish or perish" mentality  has  Lastly, given their focus on human resource devel-
become  entrenched  at  these  universities.'  Conse-  opment, it is surprising that Jones and Parks do not
quently,  teaching  and  outreach  activities  are  discuss the faculty at the 1890 institutions. Areview
weighed heavily in tenure and promotion decisions.  of the  existing  data indicates  that the  agricultural
The 1890 institutions would do well to heed Schuh's  economics  faculty at the 1890  institutions received
warning about the current status of land-grant uni-  their Ph.D.s from some of the most prestigious land-
versities.  It  is  important  that  their activities  that  grant universities in the United States.2 In order for
address the existing social and economic problems  them to enhance or maintain the human capital that
of disadvantaged people are not diminished as they  they have acquired, they need to have certain oppor-
strive to improve their research programs.  tunities  and resources  available  to them including
sufficient  time  to  conduct  research,  graduate  re-
NEEDED DIRECTIONS  search assistants, sabbatical leave, and travel grants
Jones and Parks briefly describe changes that must  to  attend  professional  meetings.  The  quality  of
be made in agricultural programs at the 1890 insti-  teaching,  research,  and extension  programs  at the
tutionsif the programs are to be relevant to the needs  various  1890 institutions can be enhanced if oppor-
of students  and potential employers.  They suggest  tunities are provided for faculty members to increase
that "greater emphasis be devoted to improving the  their own skills.
plight  of  blacks  and  others  who  comprise  our
nation's urban centers" and that changes be made in  CONCLUDING REMARKS
curricula content "in order to enhance communica-  In summary, the 1890 institutions provide a pleth-
tive, analytical and critical thinking skills." While I  ora of services.  Historically, their focus has been on
agree with these suggestions, it is important to note  teaching and outreach, but in recent years research
that the  1890  institutions  are not monolithic.  Too  ha  eceie  increased  attention.  Given  endemic has  received  increased  attention.  Given  endemic
often, we do not discuss how they differ or examine  societal  problems,  the  role  that  these  institutions
the strengths and weaknesses of each institution.  have  played  in  educating  disadvantaged  students
Discussions  with  some  faculty  members  at  the  and addressing problems that affect the low-income
1890 institutions  indicate that some of the changes  population is critical.  A recent study by De Vita and
advocated  by  Jones  and  Parks  are  underway.  For  O'Hare,  entitled  America  in  the  21st  Century
example,  the  agricultural  economics  faculty  at  Human Resource Development, points out that the
North  Carolina A&T State University  conducts an  1990s provide  a window of opportunity for facing
annual  review  of the  curriculum  and revises  it as  the  nation's  human  and  work  place  problems-
needed.  In  recent  years,  they  have  incorporated  problems  that if ignored could lead to dire conse-
more  computer  applications  and  modules  to  en-  quences. The 1890 institutions can continue to play
hance communication  skills in their courses. Other  a key role in addressing  these problems.  However
institutions,  such as South Carolina State College,  they will need increased  support from other institu-
have instituted advisory councils that strengthen the  tions  such as the U.S.  Department  of Agriculture,
university's  outreach with agribusiness and help to  1862 land-grant universities, and professional asso-
ensure that students obtain the skills that are needed  ciations of agricultural economists and other scien-
to succeed  in private  industry. The paper by Jones  tists  in  order  to  maximize  their  contribution  to
and Parks  could  have  been  improved if they  had  human resource development in this country.
discussed the diverse nature of the 1890 institutions.
REFERENCES
AAEA Committee on the Opportunities  and Status of Blacks in Agricultural Economics. Directory  of Black
Agricultural  Economists. December,  1989.
1Section 1445 of the Food and Agriculture  Act of 1977 authorized a formula-funded research program  (commonly known as the
Evans-Allen  Research Program) for the 1890 institutions.
2The Directory of  Black Agricultural Economists shows that this holds true for blacks. According  to McDowell and Evans, the
overwhelming  majority  of the agricultural economists employed at the  1890 institutions are black.  Thus, conclusions  were made
about the educational background of the 1890 faculty based  on the backgrounds  of the black agricultural economists at these
institutions.
67Allen, W. Gender  and Campus  Race Differences in Black Student Academic Performances:  Racial  Attitudes
and College Satisfaction. Atlanta, GA: Southern Education Foundation,  1986.
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Cheek, J. "Leadership Agenda in Higher Education."  Urban  League Review, 9(1985):58-67.
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68

1890 Institutions in a Changing Socioeconomic Environment: Implications for Human Resource Development.&quot; Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Agricultural Economics,

1Section 1445 of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 authorized a formula-funded research program (commonly known as the Evans-Allen Research Program) for the 1890 institutions.

Agricultural Economics Programs at 1890 Institutions: Current Status and Future Directions.&quot;

America in the 21st Century: Human Resource Development. Population Reference Bureau.

Baccalaureate College of Origin of Black Doctorate Recipients.&quot;

Black Colleges and Universities: Challengesfor the Future.

Blacks in College.

Gender and Campus Race Differences in Black Student Academic Performances: Racial Attitudes and College Satisfaction. Atlanta, GA: Southern Education Foundation,

Government Printing Office,

Land-Grant Undergraduate Ag Programs: They Need Revitalizing.&quot;

Leadership Agenda in Higher Education.&quot; Urban League Review,

National Advisory Committee on Black Higher Education and Black Colleges and Universities. Black Colleges and Universities: An Essential Component of a

of the Census. Money Income and Poverty Status in the United States:

of the Census. School Enrollment - Social and Economic Characteristics of Students:

Productivity Through Research and Service: Agricultural Research at the 1890 Institutions.

Revitalizing Land Grant Universities: It's Time to Regain Relevance.&quot;

The Association of Research Directors and The Cooperative State Research Service,

Workforce 2000: Work and Workers for the Twenty-First Century.

1890 INSTITUTIONS IN A CHANGING SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT: IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT: DISCUSSION

1890 INSTITUTIONS IN A CHANGING SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT: IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT: DISCUSSION

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