Ron Rosati, dean of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, will retire Aug. 5 after six years of leadership.
After leaving his position, Rosati plans to continue his service to Nebraska as senior adviser for the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture in Kigali, Rwanda.
The institute opens in September and will provide education and training to a new generation of innovators in agriculture in Rwanda. Nebraska is aiding in curriculum development and technical advising for the institute.
“Under Ron Rosati’s leadership, NCTA truly reached new heights in providing academic and financial access to higher education, as well as career preparation in the ag and veterinary technology industries,” said Mike Boehm, NU vice president for agriculture and natural resources and Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
“I want to thank Ron for his exemplary service and dedication over the past six years and wish him the best as he transitions into retirement.”
Kelly Bruns, director of the West Central Research and Extension Center, has been named NCTA interim dean and will continue to serve in his WCREC role. Bruns will lead NCTA campus administration with associate dean Jennifer McConville.
“It has been a privilege for me to serve NCTA as dean,” Rosati said. “The college is an exceptional place to work due to its small size, focus on agriculture and veterinary technology and its emphasis on experiential learning.”
As dean, Rosati saw enrollment rise by 28.5% from 2013 to 2018, increased fiscal strength and added academic programs in agricultural welding, equine industry management, a general agriculture online degree certificate and partnerships in dairy and poultry management.
“NCTA has been recognized nationally for the quality of its academic programs and the success of its graduates. It’s been very rewarding for me to work with the faculty and staff who are responsible for those successes,” Rosati said.
A national search will be launched to identify a new permanent dean of NCTA.
