NCTA Students Explore Next Steps at UNL
CURTIS, Neb. — Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture students traveled to Lincoln on October 26 to explore opportunities at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and learn more about their next steps in agricultural education.
Assistant Professor Jessica Rodman accompanied Madisen Adams (Big Springs, NE), Brooke Wagner (Westhope, ND), and Collin White (Scottsbluff, NE) on the visit. The trip gave students an opportunity to see the UNL campus, meet with an advisor and learn about resources available to them as they consider continuing their education.
For students who have already decided to transfer to UNL, the visit included one-on-one advising with Matt Kriefles, who will serve as their advisor. Students who are still considering where to continue their education had the opportunity to meet Matt, explore campus and see what UNL has to offer.
During the visit, the group ate at a campus dining center and learned about the Engler program. Current UNL students led these activities, giving the NCTA students an opportunity to ask questions and learn firsthand what it is like to be a student in Lincoln. They also connected with several agricultural education students already enrolled in UNL’s Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication (ALEC) program.
The visit brought NCTA’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy beyond the classroom. Rather than only hearing about opportunities at UNL, students experienced campus firsthand, met with an advisor and explored resources that could support their future goals. The experience gave them a chance to ask questions and picture what continuing their education in Lincoln might look like.
The trip reflects NCTA’s partnership with UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) and a shared commitment to helping students succeed. By connecting students with advisors and giving them a chance to experience campus firsthand, the partnership helps them explore educational opportunities and make informed decisions about their futures.
The visit also supports NCTA’s strategic initiative to strengthen university partnerships and create clear academic pathways for students. For these future agricultural educators, the day was a chance to look ahead, ask questions and begin building connections for the next chapter of their education.
The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) in Curtis is a two-year institution within the University of Nebraska system, dedicated to developing the next generation of agricultural professionals and veterinary technicians. NCTA offers specialized programs in Animal Science, Agronomy, Ag Equipment, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Education, Equine Industry Management, and Veterinary Technology, all grounded in a practical, career-focused approach to learning by doing.