Celebrating Faculty and Staff

June 15, 2024

By NCTA News

We are pleased to recognize several of our dedicated NCTA faculty and staff members, as nominated by their peers, with annual awards.

Stewart Family Faculty and Staff Award

The Stewart Family Faculty and Staff Award, in its second year, sponsored by UNSTA Alumnus Jim Stewart and his family, comes with a $1,000 gift and was created to recognize one member of the faculty or staff who has had an extraordinary impact on the life of an NCTA student.

This year, Susan Nutt, Food Service Manager, was honored with the award for her unfailing dedication to her important job of providing meals on campus. Sue has gone above and beyond, always smiling and sometimes even staying on campus during snowstorms to ensure students will have meals.

Bruntz Family Award for Teaching

The Bruntz Family Award was established in 2017 by Ann and David Bruntz, both UNSTA/NCTA alumni and ag producers from Friend, Nebraska. The award is in memory of their daughter, Julie Bruntz, whose life and early career were put on a positive trajectory resulting from her interaction with an NCTA faculty member in the veterinary technology program.

The Bruntz Family Award for Teaching and a $1,000 gift were awarded to Dr. Brad Ramsdale, Professor of Agriculture Production Systems. His profound impact on students is evident from the excellent student career outcomes and national champion crops judging team. Also noted was his positive impact through excellent student advising, and stepping in to assist other faculty members with advising has broadly impacted students from all academic areas.

Excellence in Service Award

Nathan Nicklas, Residence Life Manager, was presented with the Excellence in Service Award. As a peer-nominated award, this was a significant accomplishment for a first-year staff member. Nathan was applauded for making everyone's life on campus a little easier, primarily for his calm and measured approach and for keeping the students engaged in positive ways.

NCTA Community Award

The NCTA Community Award winner was Josi Arnold, Administrative Associate in the Dean's office, selected for her engagement in the community, including the Fall Festival and more. Josi leads by example, encouraging others to participate in the community. Her leadership in TeamMates as the first mentor initiating TeamMates + on campus for college students and her dedication to the Make-A-Wish foundation, having brought joy to several ill children in granting wishes, are two significant ways Josi serves others.