Enrollment good news for NCTA

This week's Hi-Line Enterprise in Curtis contains good news about enrollment at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. According to the page one report, total enrollment at NCTA is up 23 percent over the fall term in 2004.

That boosts the student total at the college in Curtis to 263, the highest enrollment total since 1997. To reach this level, NCTA has had two consecutive surges in freshman numbers. The freshman class size rose 53 percent from 2003 to 2004, and another 20 percent from 2004 to 2005.

The rapid rise in enrollment is the cause for excitement among college officials. Says Larry Cooper, the NCTA admissions counselor, "If you are not excited about the increase in enrollment, you need to check your pulse. A 77 percent increase in freshmen over two years is amazing. The increase in students on campus provides a tremendous opportunity for NCTA, and at the same time strengthens the college, the community of Curtis and the state of Nebraska."

Much of the credit for the rise in enrollment goes to an aggressive recruiting team, including two alumni admissions counselors and more than 20 student ambassadors.

Another big help is the Jean Rawson $3.5 million endowment, which will be used for scholarships to the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

While happy with the increases, the NCTA recruiting team is not resting on its laurels. To illustrate this, the admissions office has set a goal of 150 freshmen for the fall of 2006, with a total enrollment of 300.

"This college is very unique and provides students with incredible educational opportunities both on and off campus," said Admissions Coordinator Jill Koslosky. "We have already started our next recruiting season with potential student numbers of over 1,000. I see no reason why we can't reach our goal of 300 students on campus by the fall of 2006."

It is both refreshing and encouraging to see the increase in enrollment at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. With a strong combination of pride and enthusiasm, the college in Curtis is turning the tide, with more students discovering the value of a practical education in agricultural fields.