OUR PAST HELPS BUILD THE FUTURE

The non-profit organization was founded in 1982 as the Minority Agriculture and Natural Resources Association (MANRA) at Michigan State University. The organization recognized the need to support minority students in agricultural programs.

In 1985, Minorities in Agriculture (MIA) was formed at Penn State.

In 1986, their commitments led to the first national MANRRS conference, held at MSU in 1986. Conferences have convened at different locations around the nation every year since.

In 1987, The second Annual Conference was held at Penn State University. 

In 1988, the third conference was held at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and the MANRRS acronym was officially adopted.

In 1989, the official name of the organization became the National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS). As all are welcome to be members of MANRRS, the organization pledges to foster the advancement and achievement of ethnic minorities in agriculture, natural resources, and relates sciences. Overall, our focus evolves around personal and professional development of our membership as a means to prepare them for opportunities within a global society.

In 1990, MANRRS began to formalize the foundation of student chapters. By this year, there were 11 student chapters initiated on universities.

In 1991, MANRRS hired its first salaried employee, who at the time, was hired as a project coordinator. In the same year, Fort Valley State and the University of Georgia were the first to co-host a conference after the official establishment of MANRRS.

In 1992, the First Officer team was established. The first President was Eunice Foster and the Treasurer was Charles MaGee. Within the same year, the first MANRRS advisory board was established.

In 1994, Junior MANRRS, a program dedicated to enhancing and furthering the education, support, and resources of younger members, was created. 

In 1999, the largest MANRRS Conference to date was held in Roanoke, Virginia. It was co-hosted by Virginia Tech and NC A&T. In the same year, the MANRRS logo was official trademarked.

By 2000, after years of conferences and conference growth, MANRRS officially titles there National Conference as "MANRRS Annual Career Fair & Training Conference".

By 2002, MANRRS established their student ambassador program.

In 2003, MANRRS hired COO Ebony Webber.

In 2008, MANRRS National Office was relocated Atlanta, GA. 

In 2010, MANRRS celebrated their 25th anniversary held at Walt Disney World.

In 2015, MANRRS held their 30th anniversary in Houston, Texas.