K-State group bringing students from five states to campus for conference for minorities in agriculture and related disciplines

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Source: Zelia Wiley, 785-532-5793, zwh@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, 785-532-6415, ebarcomb@k-state.edu

Tuesday, November 7, 2006

K-STATE GROUP BRINGING STUDENTS FROM FIVE STATES TO CAMPUS FOR CONFERENCE FOR MINORITIES IN AGRICULTURE AND RELATED DISCIPLINES

MANHATTAN -- Nearly 70 students from five states are coming to Kansas State University for a regional conference to explore their career options and discover the importance of agriculture.

K-State's chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences is organizing the Region IV conference, "Innovation, Exploration and Discovery," Friday, Nov. 17, through Sunday, Nov. 19, at K-State's Grain Science and Industry complex.

Students from Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas and Louisiana are expected to attend, said Zelia Wiley, assistant dean of K-State's College of Agriculture. Wiley also is president-elect for the national organization of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences, which includes both students and professionals. Students from the K-State College of Agriculture's Ag Ambassadors and K-State multicultural student organizations also will participate in the conference.

"We've invited students from across campus," Wiley said. "It's hosted by the local Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences chapter, but we want all students on campus to be involved."

She said various workshops and speakers would emphasize the important role agriculture plays both at K-State and around the world. The conference also will address the importance of diversity in the workplace. K-State's career and employment services will offer students career tips, from dressing the part to resume advice. Visitors also will have the opportunity to tour K-State's Grain Science and Industry complex, including the new flour mill. Fred Cholick, dean of the College of Agriculture, will speak. The K-State group also has invited speakers from agriculture companies like Monsanto to make presentations.

Student officers for K-State's chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences helping with the conference include:

James Millsap, freshman in agribusiness and chapter treasurer, and Raziya Marks, freshman in pre-journalism and mass communications and a student officer, both of Kansas City, Kan.

Velma Gill, senior in animal sciences and industry and a student officer, and Daysha Jefferson, senior in food science and industry and chapter president, both of Manhattan; and Shyra Wallace, sophomore in agribusiness, Wichita, chapter secretary.

From out-of-state: Amber Tyler, junior in agricultural economics, Omaha, Neb., vice president; and Jael Jackson, graduate student in regional and community planning, Forsyth, Ga., Region IV graduate vice president.

K-State's chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences is a student group that provides a local and national network of support for K-State students enrolled in agriculture, forestry, related sciences and other interdisciplinary subjects like rural sociology, applied anthropology, math, chemistry and biology. More information about the organizations is available at: http://www.ag.k-state.edu/ and click on "diversity programs."