NCTA plans for next steps
May 31, 2016
by NCTA Dean Ron Rosati, PhD
Summer break is our time for planning the next academic year here at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.
Every year we carefully assess the quality of our educational programs by evaluating student accomplishments, academic reviews, and the input from accrediting agencies such as the Higher Learning Commission.
We ask students to evaluate the impact of every course they take at NCTA. Every NCTA graduate is asked to complete an evaluation of their educational experience. In a continuous effort to improve the quality of our educational programs, we incorporate student commentary from their course and instructor reviews into our planning process.
The feedback we receive from both internal and external reviewers tells us that the quality of education at NCTA is exceptional. The Aspen Institute, for example, ranked NCTA as among the top 15% of two-year institutions in the United States. Nevertheless, we continuously evaluate our educational activities and look for ways to improve the success of our graduates.
Our planning process for the upcoming year begins with a Dean’s Council retreat on June 7. We will update the college’s strategic plan with new strategies for improving academic quality, student success, and overall institutional health. Included in our plan for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, is addressing the economic health of our institution and carefully spending valued resources as academic programs expand while human and infrastructure needs continue.
We are appreciative of the hearty support given to NCTA by our two main governing bodies –the University of Nebraska’s Board of Regents, and the Nebraska Legislature.
In 2015, the Legislature agreed with the University’s assessment that pay equity was a priority for attracting and maintaining a professional faculty. They allocated monies in the 2015-2017 appropriation to help bring our NCTA faculty pay into line with peer institutions. They also provided $100,000 for a veterinarian position and corresponding program support to expanding our Veterinary Technology Systems programs, particularly in setting up a new certificate program in small animal laboratory care.
State government is halfway through its biennial appropriation. Last week, the Board of Regents approved NCTA’s 2016-2017 budget of $4,366,863. We appreciate this favorable support for NCTA. It keeps us moving forward in providing affordable, quality education for our students.
Our faculty and staff are important to us. They are the heart and soul of the institution. Recently, we have had a few changes in staff as retirements, relocations and career transitions occur. As you read this, Dottie Evans has officially joined her spouse, Paul Clark, in the ranks of retirees. I wish Dottie and Paul the very best as they move from Curtis and return to a home awaiting them in Kansas.
Also, we recently had news that Bridger Chytka has accepted an agricultural education teaching position with Thedford Public Schools and will serve as the new FFA chapter advisor. Thank you, Bridger, for your service to NCTA, both as an animal science professor and the Aggie rodeo team coach.
Thank you also to some of our adjunct lecturers: Krystle Friesen and Jeff Nielsen, ag business, and custodian, Wilson Dukes. Your contributions to NCTA were appreciated.
Ryan Bauman has joined NCTA as a new member of our college community. He comes to us as a graduate of Peru State College. He moved onto campus over the weekend, and is our new Residence Life Manager. We also have hired Matt Davis as a custodian, and had added TJ Popp earlier this semester in that capacity. Welcome to NCTA, gentlemen!
Campus Events in June:
3 – 4-H Photography Workshop, 9 a.m., Ag Hall
6 – NCTA New Student Registration Day, 9 a.m., Ed Center
9 – 4-H Cat Club Webinar, 5:30 p.m., Ed Center
11 – NCTA Alumni Reunion, Campus and Curtis Community Center
11 - 4-H Poultry Showmanship Clinic, 10 a.m., Vet Tech
NCTA Mission:
The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is devoted to a statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology, food and related industries. The college provides open access to innovative technical education resulting in associate degrees, certificates, diplomas and other credentials.