Terry Cosby Named Interim Leader of Central State’s Research and 1890 Land-Grant Programs

Central State University has appointed Terry Cosby, former chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), as interim vice president for Research and Economic Development and director of 1890 Land-Grant Programs.

Cosby brings more than four decades of experience in agriculture, conservation and public service to Central State, including national leadership of one of USDA's principal conservation agencies. As the 17th chief of NRCS, Cosby led an agency with a nationwide network of approximately 3,000 field offices supporting farmers, ranchers and private forest landowners. 

His appointment brings extensive federal and Ohio agricultural leadership experience to Central State as the University continues to advance its research enterprise and its mission as Ohio's only public Historically Black College or University and an 1890 Land-Grant Institution. 

“Terry Cosby's extraordinary depth of experience in agriculture, conservation and public service will be a tremendous asset to Central State University,” said Central State University President Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, Ph.D. “His understanding of the land-grant mission positions him exceptionally well to help us strengthen our research, extension and agricultural programs and expand the impact of Central State throughout Ohio and beyond.” 

Cosby's connection to the land-grant mission is both professional and personal. A native of Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, he grew up with eight siblings on his family's cotton farm, which was purchased by his great-grandfather in the late 1800s. He earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural education from Alcorn State University, the nation's first Black land-grant college. 

Cosby began his USDA career in 1979 as a student trainee in Iowa and went on to hold leadership positions across the country. He later served for 16 years as Ohio's state conservationist before becoming acting chief and then chief of NRCS in 2021. 

“I am honored to join Central State University and continue serving agriculture through an institution with such an important land-grant mission,” Cosby said. “I look forward to working with our faculty, staff, students and partners to strengthen research, expand opportunities and ensure that Central State's work continues to make a meaningful difference for producers and communities across Ohio.”