At the University of Tennessee, the Agriculture Campus holds a special place in the heart of students who make the lengthy journey for lunch at Mabel's. 

The Ag Campus has another secret begging to be discovered, however, and that is Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences.

MANRRS is a national organization that serves to raise awareness of agricultural studies and careers among ethnic minorities, according to their mission statement.  It was founded in Michigan in 1989 after a few earlier incarnations, and continued to grow into its current form.

 Our goal is to get minorities to succeed.  But this club is for everybody.  It is about community outreach. Theressa Cooper, adviser for MANRRSThe UT chapter might be exactly what MANRRS was meant to be.  This is a school with low minority enrollment in a traditionally agricultural-based part of the country.  Students in agriculture have an entire campus devoted to their studies, but other students rarely visit those facilities.

"We want to provide exposure to agriculture," said Theressa Cooper, adviser for MANRRS.  "The perception is all cows, sows, and plows, even outside of minority groups."

A meeting of the group confirms that exposure is indeed a top priority. "We have about ten faithful members," said Natalie Francis, vice president. "There are more people involved but not enough."

MANRRS uses a four-tier approach to involve minorities in agriculture and the related sciences.  They start in high school and have programs for undergraduates, graduate students and professionals.

It is difficult to convince minorities that there is money to be made in agriculture, according to Cooper.  Although students are told not to make career decisions based on salary, many perceive agricultural jobs as low-paying and stagnant.  That is far from the truth, Cooper said.

"The agriculture community is very strong," Cooper said.

It is important to understand that an agriculture degree functions outside of the field, she noted.  Graduates from the program will have no trouble finding a job even if they choose not to work in agriculture, according to Cooper.

The history of the South may be another factor keeping African Americans out of agriculture.  Cooper mentioned the legacy of slavery in the region, which has kept recent generations from embracing the increasingly lucrative field.

MANRRS is active in planning events to show that agriculture has changed for the better.  They recently held a poetry slam at the Black Cultural Center with about 50 people in attendance, according to Francis.

Later in March, members from UT will attend the national conference in Denver to get fresh ideas and maybe make some lasting contacts.

"Companies are really looking for minorities," Cooper said.  "And there are plenty of people to talk to at the conference."

The club is hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the TRECS April 19.  In addition to serving as a fundraiser, it will be an opportunity to learn more about what they do academically.  They are currently seeking sponsorship to help with coordinating and publicizing the event. 

MANRRS typically meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month to discuss upcoming events and business.  Francis stressed that the meetings are open to anyone who wants to come, minority or not.  "All are welcome," she said.

The next meeting will be held after spring break Thursday, March 27.