MANRRS leadership embodies spirit of collaboration

Few know the importance of MANRRS as well as Olga Bolden-Tiller. The Dean of the College of Agriculture at Tuskegee University joined MANRRS as a student in 1994 and served as 2021-2022 MANRRS President. Bolden-Tiller recently vacated her role of Past President, a key position in any organization’s leadership given how past leaders can support current ones. She’s reflecting on the organization’s growth during her tenure.

“We saw massive membership increases and record participation. That enabled us to put talented people into the workforce and contribute our expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion,” Bolden-Tiller said.

Olga Bolden-Tiller

Bolden-Tiller and immediate Past President of MANRRS, Kentucky State University Rural Sociology Professor Marcus Bernard, say that effort has gotten a much-needed boost from the group’s partners in agribusiness. Companies like Nationwide — where supporting ag education is a longstanding priority — aren’t just contributing money and resources. They’re actively participating.

“We have real partnerships that require time, intentionality and bringing more to the table than just a check,” said Bernard, who served as 2022-2023 MANRRS President. “It’s now a global effort, which is important because we recognize we have to be intentional about how we build sustainable systems to feed people and take care of the environment. We need good people. MANRRS helps make that happen.”

Dr. Marcus Bernard

Bernard’s new formal role as MANRRS Past President now opens the door for Dr. Derris Burnett. He’s the Mississippi State University Muscle Biology and Meat Science Professor who’s serving as 2023-2024 MANRRS President. The Denver, Colorado, native considers himself a non-traditional entry into agriculture. Much like the practical value of diversity in the workplace, he anticipates bringing a new perspective to the students and professionals involved in MANRRS.

“I grew up wanting to be the next Crocodile Hunter. Mine was a non-traditional route to agriculture. I think it can inspire people to say, ‘I don’t need years of traditional farm experience to find my niche in this space,’” Burnett said. “I want to continue to show the value of diversity in bringing in new perspectives. That enables people to innovate and bring new, out-of-the-box thinking to agriculture and food companies.”

Dr. Derris Burnett