Chavonda Jacobs-Young facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chavonda Jacobs-Young
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| Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics | |
| In office June 8, 2022 – January 20, 2025 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Catherine Woteki |
| Succeeded by | TBD |
| Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service | |
| In office February 2014 – June 8, 2022 |
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| President |
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| Succeeded by | Simon Liu |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1967 (age 57–58) Augusta, Georgia |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | North Carolina State University American University |
Chavonda J. Jacobs-Young (born 1967) is an American government leader. From 2022 to 2025, she served as the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics. Before this, Dr. Jacobs-Young was the head of the Agricultural Research Service. She was the first woman and first person of color to lead this important agency. In 1998, she also became the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. in paper science.
Early Life and School Days
Chavonda Jacobs-Young grew up in Augusta, Georgia. She finished high school at Hephzibah High School in 1985.
While in high school and at North Carolina State University, she was a talented athlete. She competed in the high jump and won the Atlantic Coast Conference championship three times.
Dr. Jacobs-Young earned her first degree in paper science and engineering in 1989. She continued her studies at North Carolina State University, getting a master's degree in 1992. In 1998, she earned her Ph.D. in paper science from the same university. Later, in 2008, she received a special certificate in public policy from American University in Washington, D.C.
Working for the Government
After earning her Ph.D., Dr. Jacobs-Young worked as a professor. She taught paper science and engineering at the University of Washington from 1995 to 2002.
In 2002, she decided to join the federal government. She started as a leader in a program focused on research, education, and helping farmers. She then worked as a senior advisor for agriculture in the White House. In this role, she helped the President's science advisor with many farming science projects. She also worked with different government groups to improve science efforts.
In 2010, Dr. Jacobs-Young returned to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). She helped create and lead the USDA Office of the Chief Scientist. This office made sure that all science research from the department was top-notch and accurate.
Later, she became the acting director for the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. In 2012, she joined the Agricultural Research Service. On June 8, 2022, Dr. Jacobs-Young was confirmed as the Under Secretary of Agriculture. This made her the first woman of color to hold this important position.
Honored for Her Work
Dr. Jacobs-Young is a respected member of several important groups. She is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She is also a member of the National Academy of Public Administration. She has received a Presidential Rank Award for her excellent service.
In March 2022, Dr. Jacobs-Young was honored in a special exhibit called #IfThenSheCan. This exhibit was set up around the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to celebrate Women's History Month. It featured 120 life-size statues of women who work in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Her statue was included to recognize her contributions to science.
