CHADRON – During the summer of 2023, an existing agreement between Chadron State College and the University of Nebraska Lincoln was revised so students seeking an Ag Education degree can attend three years at CSC and then transfer to UNL for the final year.
Interim Dean of Curriculum, Accreditation, and the School of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences Dr. Grant Sasse said START Office Director Chris Singpiel and START Adviser Josee Sayaloune helped update the course listings in the program guide. Sayaloune also created new advising templates to provide students interested in Ag Education with an idea of what the 3+1 program might look like for them. She said students are advised based on the program guide that is available on UNL’s website.
CSC student Erica Brown said the program has several benefits, including lower costs and close connections with CSC faculty for three years.
“It also allows western Nebraska students to study Ag Education without having to be six-plus hours away from home. Coming from northeastern Nebraska, which is predominantly row crop production, I did not have any prior knowledge about the rangeland management side of the agricultural industry. This program allows me and other students to learn about the primary sector in western Nebraska. While I do not know where I want to end up teaching, I do know that I have a strong desire to stay in Nebraska and strengthen Nebraska Ag and FFA,” Brown said.
CSC student Sydney Linse is excited about her plans to teach Agriculture Education in a rural Nebraska community.
“The three plus one program has allowed me to work toward my Agriculture Education degree without having to go to UNL all four years. I believe this program is a unique experience and will help meet the current shortage of Agriculture educators. This program has been a great opportunity and has allowed me to make connections with current agriculture educators in the western part of the state,” Linse said.