Southeast Community College and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources are teaming up to prepare a trained workforce for Nebraska’s bioscience sector.
On Feb. 14, representatives from the schools signed an articulation agreement for an academic transfer program that will allow SCC students who complete an Associate of Science degree in biotechnology to transfer 60 of the required 120 credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry.
“This articulation agreement ensures a skilled biotechnology workforce is provided at all levels, from certificate to bachelor’s degree and beyond,” said Tracy Niday, SCC biotechnology program co-director. “By collaborating with our UNL partners, we can ensure that SCC students are introduced to UNL staff early on so that students are supported throughout the transition process.”
A degree in biochemistry prepares students for careers in agriculture, bioenergy, biomaterials and human health — all of which are critical Nebraska sectors. Graduates of biochemistry programs attend medical schools and conduct important research on the development of new biofuels and other bioproducts.
“This program opens doors to many careers that are critical to Nebraska, and those opportunities are only going to grow,” said Don Becker, who leads the Department of Biochemistry at Nebraska. “Nebraska is uniquely poised to become a leader in growing the nation’s bioeconomy, and a prepared and talented pipeline of biochemists will be essential to our state’s success.”
The partnership is an important element in broadening access to careers in bioeconomy, said CASNR Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss.
“We’re incredibly appreciative of the partnership with Southeast Community College to increase Nebraska’s workforce in this important field,” Heng-Moss said. “This is another fantastic example of a pathway program that will grow our workforce and increase opportunities for a wide range of students.”
Students in this pathway must have a cumulative grade-point average above 2.0 to be accepted at Nebraska. Transfer students from SCC will have the opportunity to compete for CASNR transfer student scholarships. The agreement takes effect with the fall 2025 semester.
“We are grateful to UNL biochemistry for being the first department at the university to work through this process with us,” said Misty Wehling, SCC biotechnology program co-director. “The articulation agreement will improve advising for students at both institutions and ensure degree completion in two additional years after transfer.”
The biotechnology field is at the forefront of innovation, driving advancements in medicine, agriculture and sustainable materials. Nebraska’s bioscience sector is growing rapidly, and this partnership will directly address industry needs for a skilled workforce. It will also attract new business investments and fuel innovation and entrepreneurship, positioning Nebraska as a leader in the life sciences sector.
“This partnership exemplifies the innovation I’ve come to expect from both CASNR and our partners at SCC,” said Mike Boehm, NU vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “This partnership will propel Nebraska forward and prepare the next generation of leaders in medicine, biomaterials and other highly technical careers.”
