Welcome to our small campus, small town

July 1, 2020

Dean’s Message from Larry Gossen, Ph.D.

Graduates from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture are confirming what we know to be true.

“Go to a college like NCTA that provides many activities, new experiences and leadership opportunities inside and outside of the classroom.”

“Get involved in the clubs and organizations on campus. Volunteer at events in Curtis. That’s where you will meet new friends.”

“Talk with your professors and seek their advice. The faculty at NCTA all care about you and will go the extra distance to help answer questions.”

“Go to your classes and labs. Keep current on assignments, and let take advantage of tutoring and study groups that are offered in NCTA’s academic divisions.”

“Have fun! Be open to changing paths if you find a better fit in your studies. I went to NCTA thinking I would go two years, and then decided to go on to UNL and get a bachelor’s degree. I love what I am learning!”

Their stories shared with us on social media and in feature news articles these past few weeks are insightful and enjoyable.

You can view short videos and interviews on the internet at the NCTA YouTube page, “NCTA Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture” or read articles at our web site, ncta.unl.edu.

Community is home

We know NCTA is a small campus with big experiences. We also know that the community of Curtis is small, welcoming and filled with special people of all ages.

An elderly resident passed away this week who I had not met due to my arrival in Curtis just two weeks ago to become the new dean at the college. I’ve learned that Marion Johnson, age 92, made a difference in the lives of our students and staff throughout these many decades.

He graduated from NCTA’s predecessor high school, the Nebraska School of Agriculture, in 1946 in Normal Training, and became a teacher, mentor, agriculturalist, community leader and friend to many school children in Medicine Valley and at NCTA.

The stories shared by alumni and current students about Marion exemplify the heart of this small community filled with caring, compassionate individuals and families.

Summer and Fall Classes

It’s great to have students on campus for Veterinary Technician classes for eight weeks.  They will take a break on August 7 and then classes will resume for all Aggies on August 24.  We are following safety and health protocols on campus, and if measures require changes to our operations, we will keep you updated.

Meanwhile, next Tuesday is our second New Student Enrollment day.  Thank you community members for your hospitality to our campus visitors on July 7.

As America observes Independence Day this Fourth of July, we celebrate our many freedoms. We are free to engage in two noble professions deeply rooted in rural life, agricultural production and education of youth and all who thirst for knowledge.

From everyone at NCTA, may each of you have a safe and healthy holiday!

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 numerous 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.