Alex Penna of Holley, New York, brought her horse, Kiwi, to the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture as part of her animal science program coursework. She graduates May 7 with an associate degree of applied science. (Photo by Mary Crawford / NCTA)
New Yorker finds quality, best cost college at NCTA Wednesday, April 29, 2020

April 29, 2020

By Interim Dean Kelly Bruns, Ph.D.

When Alex Penna started her search for a college program she was a high school student, farming with her family in northwestern New York, raising livestock, alfalfa and other crops, and riding horses in rodeos and county fair shows.

Little did she expect that an internet search would lead her to a small, two-year college program located on a rural campus in southwestern Nebraska.

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Dr. Larry Gossen has been named the new dean of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis. He begins his duties on June 15. (Courtesy photo)
Gossen chosen as dean of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Monday, April 27, 2020

April 27, 2020

Lincoln, Neb. – Dr. Larry Gossen, a trusted and effective leader and educator in the field of agricultural education, has been selected as the next dean of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, Neb.

Gossen will succeed Ron Rosati, who retired in August of 2019 after six years at the college. Kelly Bruns, director of the West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte, has served as interim dean.

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Karlie Gerlach of Maywood FFA delivers her virtual speech Thursday morning on agriculture trade as Staci Worthing, at top, is one of two judges writing comments for Sr. Public Speaking. (Photo courtesy of Vicky Armstrong)
FFA students talk it up virtually Saturday, April 25, 2020

April 25, 2020

By Mary Crawford, NCTA News

CURTIS, Neb. – When FFA students across Nebraska were unable to give speeches as their Nebraska State FFA Convention in Lincoln was canceled in early April, a college ag teacher said “let’s go virtual!”

Doug Smith, associate professor of animal science and agriculture education at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, pitched his proposal to the Nebraska Department of Education and State FFA leaders.

All gave an enthusiastic thumbs up for the virtual challenge.

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Scott Taylor of Curtis, left, and Chase Callahan of Farnam, right, each received a Sylvia Clawson/Hecht Scholarship presented last fall by NCTA Interim Dean Kelly Bruns. (NCTA photo)
Clawson scholarships to Taylor, Callahan Thursday, April 23, 2020

April 23, 2020

By NCTA News

CURTIS, Neb. _ Sylvia Clawson Scholarships were awarded last fall to Scott Taylor of Curtis and Chase Callahan of Farnam for their final year of studies at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

The pair each received $2,500 in the ninth annual award to students from the Frontier County, Nebraska region.

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NCTA veterinary technology students in radiology class with Professor Barb Berg in late February. The surgery suite is in the background. (Photo by M. Crawford / NCTA)
Nebraska Promise for NCTA Tuesday, April 21, 2020

April 21, 2020

NCTA Dean’s Message

By Interim Dean Kelly Bruns, Ph.D.

Promising news!

Have you heard about the University of Nebraska’s pledge to education called Nebraska Promise?

During these challenging economic times for Nebraska’s families and students of all ages, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture received welcome news on Friday.

If eligible for financial aid, the returning, transfer and new students taking classes at NCTA and any NU campus in Kearney, Lincoln or Omaha will pay no tuition this fall.

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Two graduates of Lincoln high schools, Chris Reynolds, at left, and Emmaly Wright are students at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis. Each received a scholarship from Lancaster County ag producers.  (Photo by Sophie Nutter, NCTA student photographer)
Aggie students gain from Farm Bureau scholarships Friday, April 17, 2020

April 17, 2020

CURTIS, Neb. – Two Lincoln students are wrapping up their spring semester of college, thanks, in part, to support from ag producers in Lancaster County.

Emmaly Wright is finishing an equine industry management major at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, while Chris Reynolds is a veterinary technology student at NCTA.

Wright, a 2016 graduate of Lincoln East High School, has a summer internship working at an equine facility to complete before finishing her NCTA career in August.

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Seven NCTA Agribusiness Management students gather for an entrepreneurship class in February with guest speaker Chuck Schroeder of Lincoln, far left, and Professor Mary Rittenhouse, second left. (Crawford / NCTA News photo)
Fall classes on track at NCTA Tuesday, April 14, 2020

April 14, 2020

NCTA Dean’s Message

By Interim Dean Kelly Bruns, Ph.D.

Now in our third week of remote delivery for spring classes at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture College in Curtis, we continue to receive student applications for the fall semester.

This is a positive sign that graduating high school seniors are on pace in making plans for their college careers in agriculture and animal health.

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Gaylene Stinman has joined the NCTA Student Services team. (NCTA photo)
Maywood native joins NCTA admissions Tuesday, April 14, 2020

April 14, 2020

By NCTA News

Education and human services are hallmarks for the newest staff member in college admissions at NCTA.

Gaylene Stinman of Maywood joined the Student Services team at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis as enrollment associate.

“I am looking forward to assisting students with beginning a new adventure, giving their parents peace of mind with the choice of NCTA,” Stinman said.

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Certified Welding Inspector Chuck Hatzenbuehler (far right) describes the national certification criteria to (from left) Dalton Olsen, instructor Dan Stehlik, Clancey Smith and Sam Schukei. (Photo by Crawford / NCTA News)
Weld your way at NCTA Thursday, April 9, 2020

April 9, 2020                                                                                           

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Six Aggie students completed their final “exam” over the weekend by riding a colt they trained in the college class. From left, CJ Monheiser, Nathan Burnett,  Addy Villwok, instructor Steven Mueller, and Lillyanne Lewis. Not shown are Rose Siebenaler and Abby Anderson. (Photo by Joanna Hergenreder)
Ag college is far from remote Tuesday, April 7, 2020

April 7, 2020

NCTA Dean’s Message

By Interim Dean Kelly Bruns, Ph.D.

It’s truly been an eventful week in Curtis!

Our Aggie students are making a fine transition to taking their classes off campus through “remote” learning, online through the internet.

Technology tossed in a few glitches in our first full week of the new learning format.

But, for the most part, all were back in the saddle, literally and figuratively in a few days’ time.

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