Fort Valley State University Interim President Dr. Jessica Bailey, is one of six 1890 Land Grant University presidents chosen to provide a testament to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee July 15, at 10 a.m. in Washington D.C.

The testament is a part of a four- day celebration to commemorate 125 years since the signing of the Second Morrill Act of 1890. The celebration will take place at the Hyatt Regency D.C. on Capitol Hill and other locations throughout the capital. 

This Second Morrill Act of 1890 signed by Senator Justin Morrill, is a legislative document that extended access to higher education by providing additional funds for historically black land grant universities like Fort Valley State. FVSU is one of 19 1890 Land Grant Universities. These institutions have a mission to teach agriculture, military tactics and the mechanic arts as well as classical studies to educate working classes to receive a liberal, practical education.

President Bailey said she is honored to have this opportunity to share the great things happening at FVSU.

"Never before have presidents of 1890 Land Grant institutions been invited to speak before Congress. This occasion is important because it will place our institutions in the national spotlight and allow us to showcase the great work being done at these schools," Bailey said.

Some topics Bailey plans to highlight during her testament include the impacts of the research taking place in FVSU's Agricultural Research Station and impacts in outreach through FVSU's Cooperative Extension Programs. 

"Research is important because it shapes public policy decisions for the future. Legislators rely on the results of research as they support laws related to agricultural production and consumption. Our Cooperative Extension Program has an impact on, not only farmers and ranchers in middle Georgia, but producers and consumers throughout the state," Bailey said.

The president said this opportunity can serve as a platform for the university to continue its initiatives and create opportunities. "By letting Congress know the outstanding work of Fort Valley State University, we are in a better position to garner additional funding for the initiatives we will be pursuing in the future," Bailey said. 

In addition to the testament, the weeklong celebration will also include a task force meeting with college presidents, presentations from representatives of the National Institute for Food and Agriculture, roundtable discussions with legislators and an anniversary dinner with remarks from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

For more information about the 125th Celebration in Washington D.C. visit http://1890universities.org/.