Enriching lifelong learning

NCTA Dean’s Message by Larry Gossen, Ph.D.

Campus life for Week #4 is wrapping up as Aggie students (and faculty) are setting a fast pace this semester at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

Fall enrollment announced last week by University of Nebraska President Ted Carter puts NCTA on a trajectory for a greater number of Aggie students seeking multiple degrees or certifications.

Fall semester opened on August 23 with more fulltime students by 6.4% in fulltime students.

This is great news, particularly during the global pandemic and economic conditions in parts of agriculture.

We are proud to be part of the University of Nebraska system. Our leaders in Lincoln are truly committed to NCTA and to the Curtis community.

The support by President Carter and NU Vice President Mike Boehm is significant – through their publicly spoken and written words, certainly, but most importantly by the actions shared here in Curtis with all of you.

Both were fully engaged in our graduation for the Class of ’21. They also were here for a reception last fall when we were able to host a delayed reception for the Class of ’20.

I am in conversations with Dr. Boehm weekly, and frequently cross paths around the region for programs and field days of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

President Carter is keenly aware of our academic impetus and success of Aggie students as well as educational efforts with our partners in Nebraska Extension.  Aggies and residents of the region are lifelong learners.

Nearly 35 years ago, the future of NCTA was on shaky footing due to budgetary recommendations rendered by top administrators. Through resolute support by alumni, agricultural groups, stakeholders across the state, bold elected leaders, and the fiercely loyal citizenry, the Curtis community and campus prevailed.

We are grateful to our current NU leaders, the Board of Regents, elected leaders and our many industry partners in agriculture and veterinary health for keeping NCTA’s students at the forefront.

Student leaders

The Aggie student body is represented on campus through elected positions from their students clubs, teams and organizations. The NCTA Student Senate has begun meeting twice a month and will be an important aspect of the students’ voice in campus programs and activities. Members provide input to the college’s administration and faculty. Eric Reed is the faculty advisor.

Through shared governance, the Student Senate seeks to cultivate and preserve the ideals of good citizenship and maintain a fruitful atmosphere of learning on campus.

Aggie Store

The Aggie Store relocated in late August from the NCTA Education Center to the first floor of Ag Hall, across from the Frontier County Extension Office.

Students from the Ag Business Club and the Agribusiness Management Systems division are managing and staff the store.  Mary Rittenhouse is faculty advisor.

The public is invited to stop and shop at the Aggie Store. Tee-shirts and other NCTA-related items were popular items in the past three weeks, along with NCTA coffee mugs and the NCTA Cookbook.

Aggie Store hours are Monday to Thursday, 9 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:30- 4 p.m.

Enjoy Curtis Fall Festival

Get out and enjoy the cooler temperatures this week. Opportunities abound at the Curtis Fall Festival and with collegiate rodeo action in North Platte.

Mark your calendar for Sept. 23-2 as the Aggie Shotgun Sports Team hosts a large multi-state Prairie Circuit Conference match near North Platte at the Lincoln Country Wildlife Gun Club.

Go Aggies!

Aggie Events:

Sept. 16-18:  Aggie Rodeo at MPCC Stampede, North Platte

Sept. 17-19:  Curtis Fall Festival

Sept. 17-19: Aggie Ranch Horse Team to Colorado

Sept. 18-19:  Aggie Shotgun Sport Team, Midland meet, Lincoln

Sept. 21:  COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic, 5:30-7 p.m., NCTA Student Union

Sept. 21:  NCTA Round Robin Team Roping, 6:30 p.m., Mill Park

Part of the University of Nebraska system, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is a two-year institution with a statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology and related industries. NCTA is known for its affordable tuition, high job-placement rate for its graduates, and for the success of student teams in competitive activities including crops judging, ranch horse events, livestock judging, shotgun sports, stock dog trials, and intercollegiate rodeo. The college is consistently ranked as one of the best two-year schools in the nation.