The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture welcomed alumna, Broken Bow Veterinarian and rancher Dr. McKenzie Hendricks back to campus to speak with students in Success in Veterinary Technology and Success in Animal Science classes.
Students appreciated the opportunity to learn about real-world veterinary work, entrepreneurship, animal science careers, and opportunities in rural Nebraska. Hendricks told KCNI/KBBN that the conversation covered a lot of ground.
“We talked about career readiness and how courses at Curtis help prepare you for your future, and how those courses and connections helped me in my career, moving on to UNL and vet school, and becoming a veterinarian,” said Hendricks.
Hendricks grew up on a small farm near Alexandria, Nebraska, where she helped care for cattle, horses, and sheep. She found her interest in agriculture through 4-H and online agriculture classes, and graduated from NCTA in 2015 with an associate degree in Agriculture Production Systems in Animal Science as the valedictorian of her class.
Hendricks transferred to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for her bachelor’s degree in animal science, then completed the Nebraska-Iowa State Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine with magna cum laude honors.
“It definitely helped me in my career as a veterinarian,” said Hendricks. “I graduated with a lot less debt than most of my classmates.”
Today, Hendricks works as a beef cattle veterinarian and owns Broken Bow Animal Hospital. She and her husband also raise Hereford cattle near Oconto. She credits NCTA with providing livestock experience, transferable credits, and meaningful connections that helped her reach her long-term goals.
“So a lot of hands-on courses, which was nice,” said Hendricks. “Particularly, there was a cattle handling class, and I remember like learning about flight zones and moving them up an alley, which was what I do day to day. And then we had an AI course there, which definitely led to my interest in advanced reproductive work. It definitely helped me in my career as a veterinarian. And then, yeah, I learned a lot where I can bring it back to our operation with my husband by Oconto with our Herefords.”
Her advice to current students during the visit was simple and powerful. Hendricks encouraged them to find strong mentors and advisors who can help guide them toward their goals.
Hendricks continues to stay connected to NCTA. She hosts veterinary technology students for internships, hires graduates from the program, met with online students earlier this semester through a virtual visit, and will serve as an industry representative for the upcoming six-year review of the General Education department.