Kelly Bruns grew up on a diversified livestock and cropping operation near Grand Island, Nebraska.  He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska and his doctorate from South Dakota State University where he taught and conducted research in growth and development of beef cattle with an emphasis in management effects on carcass quality.  He was a Professor of Animal Science at South Dakota State for 18 years.  In 2014, he accepted a position at the West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte, Nebraska, which has farming and grazing operations in six counties in west central Nebraska.  He currently serves as Director and works with nine specialists and 40 staff who work in cropping systems and beef cattle research. The West Central District includes 40 Extension Educators and an additional 30 support staff in 24 counties in Southwest Nebraska.  Kelly is currently serving as Associate Dean, Courtesy Appointment of NCTA.