College of Ag Students and Faculty Participate in MANRRS National Conference, U.S. Forest Service Tour, and USDA-NRCS Networking
Baton Rouge, La. - Southern University College of Ag students, A 'Miracle Guidry and Brian Thomas Jr., along with faculty members Drs. LaShunda Anderson Hodges, Associate Research Professor, and Jacqueline McComb, Assistant Professor, engaged in the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) National Conference Mobile Tour sponsored by the USDA-Forest Service. The tour was held on Thursday, April 15, 2023, at the U.S. Forest Service Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area, near Helen, Georgia, in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
During the mountain trail hike to Anna Ruby Falls, A'Miracle and Brian gained valuable knowledge about the role of vegetation to wildlife in forest management and the importance of sustainable forest practices. Their engagement allowed them to make professional networking connections that will benefit them as they progress into their agricultural careers. The students also expressed how great it was to take advantage of this opportunity through MANRRS!
The USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) sponsored students’ MANRRS Conference attendance and participation (NRCS Agreement NR223A750025C001) to enhance student workforce and professional development. Students also had an opportunity to meet with NRCS sponsorship administrators during the conference career development fair.
The USDA-NRCS agreement for the Southern University Ag Center is administrated by Drs. Hodges, McComb, and Crystal Vance-Rogers, Assistant Research Professor.