land-grant

Definition

Universities established through the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890, which traded federal land for the creation of public colleges focused on agriculture and mechanical arts. They're why state schools exist and why some universities have surprisingly robust agricultural programs.

Example Usage

As a land-grant institution, we're required to maintain extension services in every county, even though most students couldn't tell a Holstein from a Hereford.

Origin

Morrill Land-Grant Acts signed by President Lincoln in 1862

Fun Fact

Every state has at least one land-grant university, and some states have two - one established under the 1862 act and a second HBCU established under the 1890 act

Source: U.S. higher education history and policy terminology

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