New Mexico State University (NMSU) recently announced that students from the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) have spent the past year working to revive Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS). This national organization is dedicated to empowering minorities in agriculture and natural resources. It provides academic support and personal development for racial and ethnic minorities pursuing degrees in these fields.
MANRRS aims to enhance its presence on campus by organizing leadership workshops and facilitating interactions between students and professionals. According to a press release by NMSU, the chapter also plans to fundraise in order to support students' participation in MANRRS conferences at both regional and national levels where they can interact with leaders in the field.
Rebekah Roybal, a dual major in animal science and agricultural communications who pushed for the reestablishment of MANRRS at NMSU, stated, "We have other clubs and organizations on campus for professional development, but we strive to go above that and give our students relatability." She further explained that this could be achieved through a relaxed environment or efforts to make everyone feel welcome. "We emphasize the importance of finding someone you can relate to and pushing each other to become the next generation of leaders," said Roybal.
April Ulery, a professor in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences who serves as co-adviser of the MANRRS chapter at NMSU expressed her satisfaction with her role. "It has been rewarding for me to serve as a co-adviser to this chapter as I watch the student officers take on the responsibilities of leading the club and networking with other students from NMSU and around the country," said Ulery.
According to information provided by NMSU on ACES webpage, The College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences offers bachelor's, master's, and doctorate programs. The college is actively engaged in academic, research, and Extension initiatives.
