A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ON MANRRS

MANRRS was started by a small group of minority students in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University. Their visit to Pennsylvania State University in 1985 influenced the formation of a similar campus organization at that institution. Out of this alliance, the first Leadership Conference of Minorities in Agriculture and Natural Resources was held at Michigan State in 1986.

In 1988 the name Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) was adapted, a constitution accepted and the first set of national officers were elected.

Since that time, MANRRS has evolved to include over 50 universities and over 1000 student members. National conferences are held annually and they afford students the opportunity to interact and network with other students, university faculty members, professionals in their field, and students.

The Virginia Tech Chapter hosted the 1999 National meeting at which there were over 900 registered participants.