Milliken delivers message of service

Wednesday, September 29, 2004
NU President J.B. Milliken chats with an NCTA student. (NCTA photo)

CURTIS -- "I think this is the earliest in the tenure of any University of Nebraska President to visit Curtis," said new University of Nebraska President, J.B. Milliken, as he removed his sports jacket and sat on the first table in the amphitheater - avoiding all formality and the podium.

"He was very personable and straight forward," said Dr. Clyde Cranwell.  "They (J.B. and his wife, Nana) are good people."

Milliken visited the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture on Friday, just six weeks into his position as President.  The faculty and staff at NCTA introduced themselves and were provided the opportunity to discuss current issues as well as the future of the campus.

"There are three towns in the state that are impacted heavily by the University of Nebraska," said Milliken.  "However, there are 93 counties that own the university (through extension, other UN campuses, etc.).  I would like the see the University focus on what it was designed to do and that is to serve the people of Nebraska."

Milliken asked about enrollment issues as well as some ways to combine research opportunities at the University of Nebraska West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte with teaching at NCTA.

"I was impressed with his concern as to what NCTA's roll is within the University and what the NCTA graduates are doing," said NCTA Admissions Counselor, Larry Cooper.

"For me, President Milliken's visit demonstrates that he realizes that the University is not just in Lincoln and that it is all across the state," said Trent Spulak, NCTA alumna and UN Extension Office Technician.

"His visit shows a big desire to work with us -- I'm very impressed," said NCTA Vet Tech Department Chair, Barb Berg.

Milliken took time to meet with a number of NCTA students throughout the afternoon.  Katie Weichman, Student Regent and President of the UNL student body, had the opportunity to speak to over 70 NCTA students while Milliken spoke with the faculty and staff.  Katie asked about student safety, NCTA Student Senate's roll and how the two campuses can work better together.

"It was good to talk to another student president to see how their system works and assess our own strengths and weaknesses," said NCTA student Amanda Ziebell.

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