FRANKFORT (June 16, 2021) –Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles congratulated Dr. Marcus Bernard, an associate professor at Kentucky State University, on his election as national president of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS).

“I wish to congratulate my friend Dr. Marcus Bernard on his election as national president of MANRRS,” Commissioner Quarles said. “The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is a huge supporter of this organization, which aims to increase opportunities for underrepresented groups in agriculture. Since the time when my late mother taught at Kentucky State University, I have always felt connected to the mission of MANRRS and KSU. I am looking forward to working with Dr. Bernard not only in my role as Agriculture Commissioner, but also as president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.”

Dr. Bernard serves as an associate professor of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at Kentucky State University. Prior to this appointment, he served as the director of the Rural Training and Research Center for the Federation of Southern Cooperatives / Land Assistance Fund in Epes, Alabama. He completed his doctoral studies at the University of Kentucky in Rural Sociology and Medical Sociology.

“It is an honor to serve as president-elect for National MANRRS,” Dr. Bernard said. “As MANRRS president, I pledge to be the greatest ambassador for Kentucky and Kentucky State University possible. I look forward to working with Commissioner Quarles at both the state and national levels to advocate for the future of our agricultural industry.”

MANRRS is a non-profit organization promoting academic and professional advancement by empowering minorities in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences. MANRRS has a reach of more than 8,000 students, alumni, and professionals within six regions, and 65 collegiate chapters across 38 states and Puerto Rico.