Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Grad Student Cris Caballero Named MANRRS National Officer

The U of A Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness graduate student Cris Caballero has been elected as the 2025-26 MANRRS Region V graduate vice president.

Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting academic and professional advancement by empowering minorities in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences. This national society welcomes membership to all groups of people and provides networks to support professional development.

"Being a national officer of this organization is an honor," Caballero said. "MANRRS has given me many experiences for professional growth, and I want to take it to new horizons by supporting students from different backgrounds, advocating for agriculture, strengthening collaborations with other industries and fostering a sense of community and belonging." 

Originally from Panama, Caballero came to the United States in 2019 to learn English and pursue a college degree. She earned her Bachelor's degree in animal science at the U of A. During that time, Caballero discovered MANRRS and like-minded individuals who understood her struggles and celebrated her victories. "I immediately felt like I belonged to that community and really enjoyed my time in different activities," Caballero said. "With MANRRS, I have been able to go to different conferences and professional events, and I want to share this golden key with many underrepresented students."

Caballero has continued her involvement in MANRRS as a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in agricultural economics at the U of A. Her experience as an undergraduate inspired her to run for a national officer position this year.  

"I am very excited to start this new journey as a national vice president and contribute to MANRRS and many minority students all over the United States, as well as international students in the field of agriculture and related sciences," Caballero said.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture. For more information about Bumpers College, visit our website, and follow us on Twitter at @BumpersCollege and Instagram at BumpersCollege.