The center of excellence for land, water, and resource management (COE-LWRM), led by tennessee state university in collaboration with eight partner 1890 land-grant institutions, is dedicated to…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) awarded Tennessee State University $1.92 million under the Centers of Excellence at 1890 Institutions Program (CFDA 10.523) on September 15, 2025, for a three-year project period concluding September 14, 2028. The Center of Excellence for Land, Water, and Resource Management (COE-LWRM) serves as a collaborative hub led by Tennessee State University in partnership with eight other Historically Black 1890 land-grant institutions. The center integrates research, education, and extension activities to advance agriculture, forestry, and natural resource management across four primary thrust areas: forest, wildlife, and watershed health; soil and water resilience in agricultural systems; habitat restoration and land management; and workforce training and development.

The COE-LWRM delivers research-driven solutions, innovative educational programming, and extension services that enhance soil and water resource management, promote forest health, and restore working lands for farmers, landowners, and resource professionals. The center provides hands-on training, research opportunities, and curriculum development for undergraduate and graduate students across the 1890 institution system, positioning itself as a workforce preparation hub that addresses regional and national challenges in sustainable resource management while serving historically underrepresented populations and rural communities.

The center of excellence for land, water, and resource management (COE-LWRM), led by tennessee state university in collaboration with eight partner 1890 land-grant institutions, is dedicated to advancing agriculture, forestry, and natural resource management. The center addresses critical regional and national challenges by integrating research, education, and extension activities across four primary thrust areas: 1) forest, wildlife, and watershed health, 2) soil and water resilience in agricultural systems, 3) habitat restoration and land management, and 4) workforce training and development.through collaborative projects, the COE-LWRM will enhance soil and water resource management, promote forest health, restore working lands, and provide innovative management strategies for farmers, landowners, and resource professionals. The center also serves as a hub for workforce preparation by offering hands-on training, research opportunities, and curriculum development for undergraduate and graduate students across the 1890 system.