Carter sees special allure in small class sizes, two-year programs offered by NCTA

Walter “Ted” Carter and his wife, Lynda, toured the NCTA campus Sunday.

NCTA photo

CURTIS, Neb. – Two-year degree programs such as those offered by the University of Nebraska’s campus in Curtis, at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, have strong appeal for students seeking academics in smaller class sizes and learning environments.

That was one of many messages shared Sunday at a public forum in Curtis by University of Nebraska priority presidential candidate Walter “Ted” Carter.

“Our focus is on the future of Nebraska colleges, coupled with the importance of agriculture,” the retired Navy vice admiral said before an audience of about 50 attendees.

“A community college or two-year degree program is viable route for many students,” Carter said in answering questions about college preparedness.

The national pool of students ready for a four-year university experience is shrinking, Carter added.

If selected to lead the University system of five campuses in Curtis, Kearney, Lincoln and two in Omaha, Carter said properly equipping campuses with resources and technology is one of his priorities.

The current generation values education and technology, financial aid and the ease of entering college, Carter said.

Carter was a unanimous choice in paper balloting submitted by the 23-member search committee, and also by the University Board of Regents.

“He is very impressive and I am glad I could attend this opportunity to learn more about our potential University President,” said Stephen Herman, a Curtis resident and local attorney.

Ann Rasmussen, who moved to Curtis in August, applauded University leaders for holding a public forum at the NCTA campus during Carter’s 30-day vetting period.

University Regent Bob Phares of North Platte hosted the event, joined by Regent Jim Pillen of Columbus who chaired the 23-member search committee.

Carter says the University is “One Nebraska- stitching together all 5 campuses, a benefit of being a part of this college system, all are different (skillset, mission, personality) but work well together as the larger mission is to develop young people to go onto other, higher levels of education, and to encourage them to stay in the state of Nebraska. College campuses can be "bigger and better as a sum of their parts."

As a retired vice admiral in the U.S. Navy, Carter is immediate past superintendent of his alma mater, the U.S. Naval Academy; a former president of the U.S. Naval War College; and a Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star recipient.

The Rhode Island native and resident of Suffolk, Virginia, was joined by his wife, Lynda, for the NCTA visit, which included a brief tour of the NCTA Veterinary Technology complex and Walter Long Teaching Clinic.

“We are glad to be here…..

Following the 30-day comment period, if deemed appropriate, Carter’s appointment will be considered by a vote of the Board of Regents.

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