Aggie update from NCTA

March 17, 2020

Aggie update from NCTA

NCTA Dean’s Message

By Interim Dean Kelly Bruns, Ph.D.

Our world is changing. There is no doubt that we will continue to experience unknowns.

We are proceeding in a “new normal” which is constantly evolving. Our NCTA campus is safe. There are no cases of COVID-19 in southwest Nebraska and we work closely with the Southwest Nebraska Health District.

One thing is certain:  The safety and health of students, faculty and staff at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis is our top priority.

The same priority exists for all other campuses and environments, facilities, research centers and Nebraska Extension offices throughout the statewide University of Nebraska system.

Each of us holds this responsibility with the utmost concern.

We do not have classes this week or next at NCTA. Our faculty are preparing for resumption of courses through remote delivery and other means on Monday, March 30, after Spring Break.

Courses with labs or hands-on skills testing are being determined.

Students receive daily communication from NCTA. Once details are solidified next week, course instructors will post how classes will be conducted. They communicate by e-mail and through a teaching platform called Canvas.

This is not new, but a system our faculty and students have used a few years now. All are familiar with its online efficiency and functions.

What IS newer is how NCTA’s unique hands-on teaching and learning environment will function so that our Aggie students can complete this semester’s courses. Together, students and faculty will strive for this success.

Aggies intending to graduate in May must complete current classes. We will be communicating with students and their families about graduation plans.

Through this transition, in lockstep with ensuring health and safety, education is still our priority.

NCTA is accepting applications for the 2020 fall semester. I am confident NCTA will continue its statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology, and related industries.

On NCTA campus

Currently, some students remain living on campus or in the Curtis area.

They assist in caring for animals owned by NCTA for our teaching programs in veterinary technology, animal science and equine management, as well as animals or privately-owned horses boarded here in Curtis.

Residence assistants lives in the dormitories, continuing their duties and communicating with campus leaders and staff of any student concerns.

Our residence halls and dining services remain open for the campus community. Food service is available as takeout through Chandie’s Castle located in the Student Activity Building.

We are exercising precautions with a six-foot spatial separation in work areas. Procedures are those established by the Centers for Disease Control, the State of Nebraska, and Southwest Health District.

To our local community, thank you for the support you continue to provide to our NCTA family. We are very appreciative.

NCTA Dean Search

The process of interviewing three finalist candidates for the position of NCTA dean is ongoing. Last Wednesday, Dr. Larry Gossen of Lincoln was at NCTA. Dr. Clyde Cranwell of Hays, Kansas, met with us Monday.

For health and safety of all and through technology, third candidate Dr. Darrel Sandall of Florida, will be interviewed through an online platform on Thursday.

Dr. Sandall will meet in three online session with students, faculty, and then staff. His seminar will be transmitted, as well, online at 3:45 p.m. For a Zoom link, see https://ncta.unl.edu/meet-dean-candidates.

Calendar updates

The Science Fair for March 23 and Farm Safety Day on March 26 have been canceled.

Additionally, off campus, the Ranch Horse Team’s Punchy in Pink Horse Show that was to have been April 3-5 at McCook is canceled. No collegiate team travels or national events will be held.

In the coming weeks, I will report more about April and May programs or activities at our NCTA campus.

For questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 308-367-5200.

NCTA is devoted to a statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology, and related industries. The college provides open access to innovative technical education resulting in associate degrees, certificates, and other credentials.