An Alabama 4-H alumna, Dr. Juliette Bell’s leadership and scholarship have resulted in significant, positive outcomes for youth, communities and the nation. As the 15th President of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Central State University, and throughout her tenure at Fayetteville State University, Bell’s transformational leadership resulted in new, cutting-edge academic and online degree programs, international partnerships and improved student success.
An advocate for increasing the number of minority scientists, Bell has dedicated much of her career to providing opportunities for students to participate in scientific research. At UMES, she aligned academic, research, and outreach activities with the needs of the community and the state, especially in STEM fields. As Chair of the Association of Public Land Grant Universities Council of 1890 University Presidents, she led the Council’s advocacy during its 125th Anniversary Celebration, resulting in significantly increased support for these institutions.
Bell’s numerous honors include the “Millennium Award for Excellence in Teaching” from the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority Access Inc.’s “National Role Model Mentoring Award”, and the “Abraham Lincoln Honor Award” presented by USDA Secretary Vilsack. She was also one of “Maryland’s Top 100 Women” in 2014.
As Vice-Chair of National 4-H Council’s Board of Trustees, Bell leads Council’s mission to grow support for Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program. In 2021 and 2022, she chaired of the Landmark Gift Task Force, engaging Extension leadership nationwide to develop a plan to invest the $50 million gift from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott in 4-H growth and opportunity for youth.
