In April 2021, Dr. Antonio McLaren joined the 1890 Universities Foundation as the Vice President for Programs. In this role, he manages high-impact programs and initiatives across the 1890 land-grant institutions to help them respond to new/emerging opportunities and challenges in the 21st century. 

Prior to this appointment, Dr. McLaren worked for USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) as a National Program Leader between 2015 and 2020. In this role, he provided national leadership for NIF A's 1890 programs portfolio, which was valued at over $180 million. 

Previously, between 2011 and 2015, Dr. McLaren worked for USDA's Office of Advocacy and Outreach as the USDA/1890 Liaison at Virginia State University (VSU). In that role, he worked to advance VSU's 1890 land-grant programs through outreach, recruitment, and capacity-building efforts. In all, he has more than 22 years of federal service - all with USDA. 

Dr. McLaren was selected as a USDA/1890 National Scholar in 1997. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business/Economics in 2001, and his Master of Arts degree in Economics and Finance in 2003 - both from Virginia State University. In May 2015, he graduated with a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.