Recognizing FFA Week; NCTA leaders, educators
February 21-27 is National FFA Week and NCTA’s Collegiate FFA asks everyone to “Wear Blue” this Friday. Join them in wearing a blue FFA shirt from your alma mater or collegiate FFA.
Since its inception in 1925, FFA has been a cornerstone for career and agricultural skills, leadership development and agricultural education across the United States. The NCTA campus is a hub for FFA students and teachers in southwestern and southcentral Nebraska. We host district annual FFA contests and chapter trainings. Each summer, NCTA is the site for agricultural education instructors and FFA advisors engaged in classes and leadership activities.
Please join me in a “big blue salute” to FFA students, parents, chapter advisors, businesses, organizations and the many educators involved with FFA. You are appreciated!
A note of congratulations is in order, as well, for several individuals who have made a huge impact for NCTA students and their families:
Dr. Scott Mickelsen, associate dean at NCTA since May, 2011, is transitioning to Dawson Community College in Glendive, Montana where he will be the vice president of academics. We thank Scott for his leadership at NCTA, and wish Scott, Mitzi and their family the very best.
Ruth Good of Wallace is retiring after 10 years as an NCTA math instructor, and nearly 50 years in education. Join us for Ruth’s farewell reception at 1:30 p.m. on March 3.
Dr. Brad Ramsdale will be recognized March 1 in a Lincoln ceremony where he will receive a Holling Family Award for Senior Faculty Teaching Excellence. Congratulations Brad!
Last week, we announced Parent’s Association Awards recipients for 2015-2016 had recently been recognized at a ceremony in Lincoln. Thank you and congratulations to Jo Bek, Tee Bush, Judy Bowmaster-Cole, Joanna Hergenreder, Dr. Brad Ramsdale and Mary Rittenhouse.
Congratulations to NCTA animal science professors Jo Bek and Dr. Doug Smith for awards each received from the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation. Jo was one of three Nebraska educators to receive the Nebraska Beef Industry Endowment and a $2,500 award for her programs. Dr. Smith was one of two recipients of the Nebraska Range and Conservation Endowment, also with a $2,500 grant.
Bravo to each of these well-deserving honorees. I appreciate their dedication to the students of NCTA and contributions to our campus community.
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.
Upcoming NCTA Events:
Feb. 23 – Chili Taste-Off, Vet Tech Complex
Feb. 23 – Master Gardener Webinar, Ag Hall
Feb. 25 - Laura Stage, Germany, Public Forum, Ed Center
Feb. 26 – NCTA’s “Wear Blue Day” for FFA Week
Feb. 27-28 – Sherman Tegtmeier Reining and Horsemanship Clinic, LTC Arena
Feb. 29 – Central Nebraska Science and Engineering Fair, Ed Center
March 1 - FFA District XI Career Development contests
March 1 – Master Gardener Webinair, Ag Hall
March 2 – Beef Quality Assurance Training, Ed Center
March 3 – Ruth Good Reception, The Barn, 1:30 p.m.