The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has a tradition of a strong, nationally recognized chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences. That tradition continues with UK MANRRS member Jahqethea Johnson stepping up to the national stage as the next undergraduate student vice president for Region III.

“I feel great about being elected to represent Region III,” she said. “This officer year has started with many adversities given the pandemic, but it’s given our executive team the opportunity to strategize and challenge ourselves to make sure we live up to promoting and supporting the advancement of our members in the agriculture industry.”

Strategic planning and strong leadership are vital to the success of any nonprofit organization.

Johnson will work with the undergraduate student president and the president-elect to set agendas focused upon key strategic matters and to lead in developing new collegiate chapters and initiatives to keep undergraduate members engaged. Additionally, she will help develop relationships with MANRRS national sponsors and help organize social functions to maintain visibility on local chapter campuses.

Johnson, who is studying agricultural economics, looks forward to working with the officer team to bridge the gap between MANRRS chapters and creating opportunities to partner with various companies in the agricultural industry throughout the year.

MANRRS is committed to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders. With the world’s population estimated to exceed 9 billion people by the year 2050, agricultural production will need to increase by 70% to meet the growing demand for food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Addressing this need, MANRRS focuses on developing future leaders in the agricultural sector through training and providing employers with a highly skilled, diverse workforce that includes individuals from traditionally underrepresented and underserved groups.