The Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) organization provides an opportunity for underrepresented students to increase organizational and leadership skills, prepare for the world of work, promotes academic excellence, and fosters a welcoming and respectful environment among its members and on campus.

MANRRS organizations, located on college campuses across the country, foster and promote the agricultural sciences and related fields among underrepresented groups.

Iowa State University MANRRS is one of 40 chapters located in 29 states with a total membership of 1282 students and professional. Membership is composed of African American, Latino, Asian American, Native American, and Caucasian men and women.

Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences began as a vision shared by a group of agriculture students and faculty members at Michigan State University and at Pennsylvania State University. Their goal was to develop partnerships between minority agriculture and natural resources students and professions from academic institutions, government, and industry. Their commitment led to the first national MANRRS conference, held at MSU in 1996. MANRRS has grown to include several hundred members representing more than 50 academic institutions and the public and private sector (MANRRS National Headquarters, Outreach Communications).

Why Join ISU MANRRS?

• to enjoy activities which provide opportunities for learning leadership and organizational skills, professional development and good times
• to enlarge your contacts with students and faculty at Iowa State and other institutions
• to increase your voice in local and national issues affecting minority opportunities and careers in agriculture and related fields.

Objectives

• increase the number of minority students studying agriculture sciences and related fields at both the undergraduate and graduate levels
• foster a bond of fellowship among minority students and faculty, staff, and administrators in colleges or schools of agriulture
• encourage scholarly achievement, advancement, and excellence among members
• promote career and academic counseling for minority students and enhance their academic, professional, and leadership development

Membership

Membership is open to anyone with a vital interest in promoting diversity in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences.

Student Membership
Undergraduate or graduate students majoring in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, veterinary medicine, or related fields, such as biology, engineering, political science, law, sociology, business, or education are encouraged to join.

Professional Membership
Open to all people who have received degrees in the agricultural sciences or related areas and/or who are employed in or are supportive of an agriculturally related area.

Honorary Membership
Bestowed upon persons who have made significant contributions toward the promotion and improvement of the agricultural sciences.

Supporting Members
Membership for companies, organizations, institutions, and agencies which have significant contributions to support MANRRS.