Alabama A&M Designated a Center of Excellence for Watershed Management

Alabama A&M University (AAMU) has been recognized as the first historically black college or university to become a designated Center of Excellence for Watershed Management. This is only the second Center of Excellence to be designated in Alabama and the fifth in the Southeast.

AAMU President Dr. Beverly Edmond signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) during a ceremony Jan. 29 at the university’s Agricultural Research Center.

“Everyone lives in a watershed, and at EPA we believe a watershed approach is the most effective framework to address today's water resource challenges,” said EPA Acting Regional Administrator Stan Meiburg. “This designation will allow AAMU to continue developing the strong partnerships with other institutions, organization and agencies required to protect and restore watersheds in northern Alabama.”

According to ADEM Director Trey Glenn, “Alabama has tremendous water resources and the department’s mission is to ensure those resources are protected for today’s citizens and future generations. We are confident that this new partnership with Alabama A&M will allow all parties to leverage our resources and focus our efforts to protect water quality in Alabama.”

To become a recognized Center of Excellence, the institution must demonstrate technical expertise in identifying and addressing watershed needs; involvement of students, staff and faculty in watershed research; capability to involve the full suite of disciplines needed for all aspects of watershed management; financial ability to become self-sustaining; ability to deliver and account for results; willingness to partner with other institutions; and support from the highest levels of the organization.

Source: U.S. EPA