NCTA presents year-end staff, faculty awards

May 10, 2017

By Mary Crawford, NCTA News                                                                        

Work done behind the scenes is usually meant to be invisible but it certainly is noticed.

And, at a small college in a small rural community, it is all greatly appreciated.

Student grades were turned in on Monday at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. On Tuesday, as 9-month faculty completed their final week on campus before summer recess, recognition for individual contributions was highlighted.

An NCTA Awards Committee chaired by Judy Bowmaster-Cole coordinated the nominations and voting by staff for the annual awards.

Becky Currie, head of the NCTA facilities staff, was awarded the Excellence in Service plaque. Currie joined the NCTA team in November, 1998, and oversees cleaning, upkeep, repair to facilities and campus property.

She coordinates staff, including campus security, leading around-the-clock care for the NCTA campus, said Jennifer McConville, associate dean.

“Becky is a strong leader within her division and on campus, and is always upbeat, and looking for ways to find solutions,” McConville noted.

“She takes pride in her work and wants our campus to ‘shine.’ She cares for her staff and the students and wants to make NCTA a nice place to live and work.”

Barb Berg, chairman and assistant professor of the Veterinary Technology Systems division, was presented the Excellence in Teaching award. Berg is a graduate of NCTA’s predecessor institution, the University of Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture (UNSTA) and a licensed veterinary technician.

She joined the NCTA faculty in September, 1980, and teaches courses in radiology, animal care, anesthesia and surgery. Berg oversees the VTS teaching staff and is NCTA’s representative to the statewide veterinary community.

“The nomination for Barb’s excellence in teaching award was greatly supported by her students,” said Bowmaster-Cole. “They submitted two pages of examples about Barb as their veterinary technology instructor.”

The husband–wife team of Warren and Jo Bek were recognized for their many contributions to the Curtis area with an award for Community Service.

Warren is a UNSTA alumnus, farms east of Curtis, and frequently employs NCTA students and graduates at the farm.  Jo is a professor of animal science completing her 39^th year. She also teaches courses in the VTS division and is faculty sponsor for the Women in Ag, and Collegiate Cattlemen student organizations.

The Beks frequently assist with local efforts such as the Curtis Community Festival and parade, Hometown Christmas, NCTA Steak & Shake Awards Night, Frontier County 4-H and Extension, and mentor area youngsters and college youth.

An NCTA Awards Committee chaired by Judy Bowmaster-Cole coordinated the nominations and voting by staff for the annual awards.

“These individuals are role models for us all and the recognition is well deserved,” Bowmaster-Cole said. “It is my honor to be able to present the awards.”

Recipients were honored at a staff and family luncheon Tuesday, hosted by NCTA Dean Ron Rosati, Associate Dean Jennifer McConville and Dean’s Office Administrative Associate Catherine Hauptman.

Online article:   http://go.unl.edu/52fp