October 24, 2023
Congratulations to K-State MANRRS Delegates and Diversity Programs
Happy Tuesday!
The K-State College of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) Diversity Programs Office and K-State Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) Chapter had an exciting and productive time last week.
October 18-19, Dr. Zelia Wiley, Assistant Dean and Director and K-State MANRRS Advisor, was an invited presenter for the Cereal and Grains 23 Conference in Schaumburg, IL. She was a featured panelist during the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Agronomics Science Space session. Her presentation featured University Partnerships for DEI Success.
October 18-20, the DPO and K-State MANRRS partnered during the KSUnite events. KSUnite 2023 was a 3-day event in recognition of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging on the K-State Salina campus, Olathe campus, and the Manhattan campus. This year, the KSUnite was led by the Inaugural Vice President for DEIB, Dr. Rana Johnson. The College of Agriculture forum took place on October 20 as part of the KSUnite 2023. The forum featured Cargill, the Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA), and College of Agriculture Leadership to discuss Minority Farmers and Corporate Connections.
Thank you to those that attended the KSUnite, and a special thanks to the forum participants: Max Essoh Latte, Cargill Global Industry Manager and Black Farmer Equity Initiative member; Dr. John Ella Holmes, Executive Director of KBFA; Dr. Dan Moser, Associate Dean for Academic Programs – College of Agriculture; Raymond Thomas, Ph.D. Candidate in Agricultural Economics and Graduate Student Co-Advisor of K-State MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences); Dr. Ernie Minton, Eldon Gideon Dean of College of Agriculture and Director for K-State Research and Extension; and Summer Santillana, Diversity Programs Coordinator and K-State MANRRS Co-Advisor.
October 20-21, Dr. Zelia Wiley also took a 4-student delegation to the Region IV/V MANRRS Cluster in Chicago, IL. During this event, the students were able to network, attend workshops, and meet with potential employers and corporate partners. Each of the students competed at the regional cluster. Three students placed in the top three in their respective competitions. Selena Gilyot, senior in Animal Sciences and Industry (ASI) – 2nd Elevator Pitch; Brienna Walker, senior in ASI – 3rd Elevator Pitch; Leah Roane, sophomore in Food Science; and Lailah Bias, sophomore in ASI – 1st Interview Competition. Congratulations to our Fall 2023 MANRRS Delegates.
As we continue the fall semester, the DPO will share more diversity events, including upcoming presentations at the Professional Agriculture Workers Conference, October 28-31, in Tuskegee, AL.
Join us on social media for more updates: Facebook: K-State AG Diversity Programs Office, Twitter: dpooffice, Instagram: dpo_kstate — or contact Zelia Wiley, assistant dean and director of diversity programs, at 785-532-5793 or zwiley@k-state.edu.