History of MANRRS
Eunice Foster - MANRRS Historian and Associate Professor of Crop and Soil Science at Michigan State University
William Henson - MANRRS President and Assistant to the Dean of Minority Affairs, at the Pennsylvania State University, where he directs Minority Student Programs
Historically, ethnic and racial minorities who had the opportunity to pursue professional or scientific careers have concentrated mostly in a limited number of options. Teaching, preaching, and practice of medicine and law, for example, have long been high prestige, attractive professions in African American communities. In the early days of rigid racial segregation, the most promising professional career opportunities for African Americans were those that primarily directly served African American client bases. Later, the established pool of practitioners served as role models and mentors to attract new entrants. Today, institutional and societal barriers continue to make entry to, and advancement in, certain professions difficult for minorities. Professional advancement is enhanced by interaction with others in the same and related professions. Networks within professions usually evolve over time, and tradition often defines the qualifications for participants and new entrants. For minorities, there are often real or perceived limits on entry to the inner circles of interaction within some professions. In fact, under-representation of minorities in certain professions can itself be an effective barrier to entry.
As a member of MANRRS, you not only gain educational opportunities, but friendships through our social activities throughout the year.