Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) is an organization which at the collegiate tier, motivates student success while increasing access to industry connections, internships, scholarships, and other opportunities. The organization held this year’s 39th National Conference and Career Expo in Memphis, Tennessee during the week of April 2-6, during which Southern University’s very own Sterling Brown was appointed for a national seat.
Sterling Brown, a senior agriculture business major hailing from Alexandria, LA, humbly started as a member of the Southern chapter of MANRRS in 2022 after learning about the organization through their annual sweet potato fundraising sale. Following, Brown became Sergeant at Arms in 2024, progressing to Vice President later that year, and sequentially, taking over as chapter President in 2025.
As of this year’s national conference, Brown is now known as Region I National Undergraduate Vice President. He reflects fondly upon his participation thus far and how it has helped to build his impressive resume, professional and social network, and his confidence.
Brown’s undergrad VP duties will include membership retention, communicating between all chapters in his region, advocating on behalf of all members, and representing participants even beyond the organization. This includes the bi-annual culminating events, the area-focused Regional Clusters gathering and the more general national conference, which will reconvene in Dallas, Texas next year.
His second time applying for a national position, Brown opens up about how this experience has allowed him to exercise determination and patience in addition to his leadership skills. “I’ve learned with patience, you have to wait for your time. Sometimes, when we don’t get what we want, we get frustrated and give up. But, everyone’s timing is different, and you’ll know when it’s your time. I’m learning that now.”
In addition to this newfound responsibility, Brown plans to maintain his avid participation in Southern Institute for Medicinal Plants (SIMP) as well as the Ag Research & Extension Center, where he participates in various projects such as groundbreaking viticulture research.
Alongside recent alumni Christian Jacobs, Brown remains a founding member of Ag Business Students United (ABSU), and organization designed to serve and represent agriculture business and/or economics students. The pair successfully established a scholarship fund, bestowing a sum of $1000 in scholarships to five Southern students.
Though Brown’s national accomplishments are rightfully projected, he refuses to forget those who helped him reach this achievement. He accredits Dr. Jodi Morton, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Sciences and Technology with encouraging his initial involvement. The third SU student to hold a national position under her tenure, Brown thanks Dr. Janana Snowden, Director of SIMP, for her dedication to MANRRS advisor, as well as SIMP Administrative Assistant, Chianti Primus and Dr. Marlin Ford.
After his graduation in Spring of 2026, Brown plans to first establish himself professionally, seeking to pursue a career in international agriculture, before continuing with his organization participation on a professional level.
Whatever his promising future may hold, Brown leaves behind an inspiring legacy for all students to follow.
