By Charlie Morrison
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture (TSUAg) is celebrating a landmark achievement after its chapter of MANRRS was named the 2026 National Chapter of the Year. The honor was announced during the organization’s 40th Annual Conference in Dallas, April 9–12.
This recognition caps an extraordinary showing for the TSUAg chapter, which finished first out of 78 participating chapters, following two consecutive third-place finishes in recent years. With this award, TSUAg became the first chapter from a historically Black college or university to win the MANRRS Chapter of the Year.
The group’s success reflects the strategic leadership of chapter President Omari Mason and Vice President Jhanya Chenault, as well as the tireless preparation of its members.
“This recognition speaks volumes about the talent, discipline, and commitment of our students,” said Dr. De’Etra Young, TSUAg associate dean and advisor to the MANRRS chapter. “To see our students rise to this level on the national stage is a proud moment for Tennessee State University and the College of Agriculture. Their achievement demonstrates the excellence of our students and the strength of the support system behind them.”
In addition to the top honor, the TSUAg group also received a prestigious Chapter Enrichment Grant, further enhancing its ability to serve its members. Moreover, the travel costs and registration fees for seven students attending this year’s conference were covered through MANRRS scholarships. The students were: Jhanya Chenault, Karmen Bowen, TeMarcus Harris, Kaylin Hughes, Jeffrey Jackson, Jayla Silver, and Todd Stansberry.
Farm Credit Mid-America, an agricultural financial services cooperative, is also credited with facilitating the group’s trip to the conference through its support of the chapter throughout the year.
“We are deeply thankful for the continued support of Farm Credit Mid-America,” Young added. “That investment helps create meaningful opportunities for our students to grow as leaders and return with experiences that inspire our entire community.”
For TSUAg, the Chapter of the Year recognition signifies more than just a major award; it stands as a milestone moment for student leadership, institutional excellence, and the expanding impact of one of the university’s most accomplished student organizations.
For more information on TSUAg, visit www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/
Featured Photo: More than 20 TSU undergraduate and graduate students attended this year’s MANRRS conference in Dallas, where they proudly received the 2026 Chapter of the Year Award. (Photo by Sarah Tyler)
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.
