April 15 – Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) won 1st Place in the National MANRRS Quiz Bowl Competition at the National MANRRS Career Fair and Training Conference in Overland Park, KS, April 6. The team, named “The Golden Panthers” defeated the Quiz Bowl team from the University of Maryland, College Park, in the final round of competition to bring home the 1st Place trophy. They beat the University of Florida in the MANRRS version of the Elite 8 Semi-Final Round and Florida A&M University (FAMU) in the Preliminary round of competition.

The MANRRS Quiz Bowl allows participants to showcase their knowledge of MANRRS’ history and various aspects of agriculture and related sciences, including agribusiness, food science, animal science and plant and soil sciences.

The Golden Panthers consists of four student members, Kira Christian, Edwin Crittendon II, Houston Johnson and Alexander Robinson, all Agriculture majors within the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences.

“This national victory shows how talented and competitive our students are, and it demonstrates the power that comes from having a diverse team,” said Co-Advisor for the PVAMU MANRRS Chapter Dr. Wash A. Jones, Associate Professor, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences.

The winning team was part of a seven-student delegation representing PVAMU at the National Conference. In addition to the Quiz Bowl, students competed in other student competitions including Research Discussion, Public Speaking, Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Business Pitch. Other conference activities included professional development workshops, student research presentations, and a career fair featuring about 75 industry leaders from agriculture related fields.

“The Golden Panthers’ achievements should bring an immense sense of pride to the entire campus. We couldn’t be prouder of this team and the way it represented PVAMU on a national level in such a monumental way,” added Co-Advisor, Horace D. Hodge, USDA/1890 Program Liaison.

The MANRRS Bowl competition was created to increase attendance and participation at the Annual Career Fair and Training Conference, and to encourage learning in a fun and competitive atmosphere. MANRRS is a national society that welcomes membership of people of all racial and ethnic group participation in agricultural and related science careers. MANRRS members are encouraged to be full participants in other professional societies for their basic disciplinary and career interests. However, MANRRS attempts to provide networks to support professional development of minorities. It is a springboard for their entry into and advancement in careers where they otherwise could be lost in the sheer number and established connections of mainstream participants. For student members, MANRRS provides role models and networking opportunities.

(Pictured L-R: Edwin Crittendon II, Kira Christian, Houston Johnson and Alex Robinson)

This work was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 1890 Extension Formula Program projects under Section 1444.

Tucker Wilson

 

Tucker Wilson
Media and Publications Manager
tuwilson@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-5116