Meet Ashley Connell, NCTA Student Spotlight

Meet Ashley Connell, NCTA Student Spotlight

Ashley Connell, native of Newport, Nebraska, specializes in equine health. (Crawford / NCTA News)
Ashley Connell, native of Newport, Nebraska, specializes in equine health. (Crawford / NCTA News)

Dec. 10, 2020

By NCTA News Weekly

A native of Newport, Nebraska, NCTA Resident Assistant in 2019-2020 and veterinary technology major is our final Aggie Student Spotlight for the year. Ashley Connell currently is the foaling manager of an equine ranch in South Dakota. 

Where did you attend high school?

I went to high school at Keya Paha County High School in Springview, Nebraska

What prompted you to attend NCTA

I didn’t visit any other colleges and I had been here before for livestock judging camp, so I just went with it. I didn’t really care where I went. Looking back, I’m glad I did choose NCTA as it was here that I met some of my best friends, went on amazing adventures, was challenged to step outside my comfort zone, and grew in my faith.

Year in school and major(s)?

I was supposed to walk for graduation last May and be done in August 2020, but plans change and I had to push that to later. So, I guess I’m a third year, but I don’t want to be considered that because I don’t want people to think I was a delinquent and couldn’t finish a two-year degree in two years.

Where did you serve your internship experience?

I did my veterinary technology internship at Pine Ridge Equine Hospital in Glenpool, Oklahoma. It’s a five-doctor practice with two intern vets. They have two board surgeons, whom I got to tech many surgeries for while I was there.

We worked with all different breeds, disciplines, and types of horses and clients. In my very minimal time off, I went on a few day-road trips to see more of the country. The whole crew down there was amazing, and I was honored to get to work with them for 8 weeks and to be offered a job. However, I had to keep on rolling as I wanted to experience more of the world. I know I’ve always got friends down in Oklahoma.

What are your plans after completing your degree at NCTA?

I am currently working as the foaling manager at Webb Ranch in Isabel, South Dakota. After foaling here is completed, I plan on returning home to our family ranch in Keya Paha County while further pursing my interest in equine health.

What organizations, clubs, and teams or jobs have you been involved with at NCTA?

Phewtas, a lot! I think being involved is an important part of developing a connection with the community; and not just the immediate community around you. College kids -- I think it’s important to be engaged with people older than you and younger than you as each person has something to help you grow.

My first year, I was in Stock Dog, however even though I loved it, it interfered with my academic goals. I was then involved in STVMA, Collegiate Cattlemen, and Women in Ag. My second year I became a Resident Assistant, a position I absolutely loved. Throughout college, I also attended the Berean Church, went to the Lonestar Cowboy Church weekly Bible study, and held a weekly Bible study in the dorm. I volunteered at local food drives and the town movie theater on my own volition, not for service points for anything. Additionally, I tutored in a few classes.

What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?

When I was 10, I wanted to train horses.

What is your proudest moment? Either in life or at NCTA.

My proudest moment at NCTA was during my second year in my position as an RA. I sat down with the Resident Life Manager and I was quizzed on which resident lived in what room. I could fill the whole map out without even pausing to think because I had thoroughly gotten to know every individual living in my dorm. I knew their name and their major and their interests. I said hi to them in passing. I know the value of someone knowing your name when you feel like no one does.

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