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Robert N. Corley III, Ph. D., who served as the Interim Dean and 1890 Extension Administrator of the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University after the retirement of M. Ray McKinnie, Ph. D., in June 2022, has been formally appointed to the position effective immediately.   

As a senior-level professional, Shambley will serve as a member of the COA leadership team and oversee the development and implementation of innovative, integrated marketing strategies and branding efforts that effectively communicate the immense value and tremendous opportunities COA provides.

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.

Virginia State University (VSU) was selected by the Biden-Harris administration as one of eight 1890 Historically Black Land-grant institutions to help strengthen the United States food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences (FANH) workforce. 

"With the support of the USDA and our collaborative partners, we will provide our students with unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning, professional development, and international engagement. Through this program, we are cultivating the next generation of diverse food and agriculture professionals who will make significant contributions to the field and address the evolving challenges of our global food system," said Dr. Robert N. Corley, III, Interim Dean of the College of Agriculture and 1890 Administrator at Virginia State University.