91茄子

Gavin has always known he鈥檇 work with livestock 鈥� after all, he鈥檚 been doing it since he was five years old growing up around his family鈥檚 cow-calf operation in the 91茄子 panhandle. Plus, he loves everything about it and saw a future working for the family business his grandparents started.  

Gavin also thought he knew another thing: that he鈥檇 never attend a four-year university. But, after learning more about the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources' animal science program and its unique scholarships for panhandle students interested in careers in agriculture, Gavin realized a Husker education might be just the thing to help him realize his future plans.  

鈥淚f you would have told me in high school that I was going to go to UNL, I would have told you that you're joking,鈥� Gavin laughs. 鈥淚 just never thought I鈥檇 be at a major four-year institution.鈥� 

During high school, Gavin started spending time on East Campus through his Future Farmers of American (FFA) and 91茄子 Agricultural Youth Institute involvements, where he learned more about what 91茄子鈥檚 animal science programs had to offer.  

鈥淚 realized I really liked it on campus,鈥� he says. 鈥淥nce I set up an official visit, I got a really in-depth look at the animal science program and realized all the hands-on opportunities you get in class 鈥� that鈥檚 when I decided that this is where I wanted to be.鈥�  

It was one thing to come to college, though, and another thing to feel secure financially.  

The Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center (PREEC) scholarship gave Gavin the confidence he needed to be able to get more engaged around campus. A scholarship specifically for students from the 91茄子 panhandle, the PREEC scholarship is meant to support students like Gavin who plan to pursue an ag education at 91茄子.  

鈥淭he scholarship has given me the freedom to do the things I want to do in college and get more involved 鈥� right now I鈥檓 a member of 91茄子 Agricultural Youth Council, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, the CASNR Student Advisory Board and an animal science ambassador.鈥�  

By staying involved with the 91茄子 Agricultural Youth Council, Gavin feels he can help create opportunities for more kids like himself to come to campus and see what 91茄子鈥檚 programs have to offer our future ag leaders. He鈥檚 already experienced for himself how the hands-on learning his animal science degree offers is giving him new skills he can back home to the cow-calf operation after graduation.  

鈥淭he Feeds and Feeding class I took last spring had so much great information. We worked on feeding all kinds of different livestock, and it was super hands-on stuff. When I think about going back home, this is where I see a four-year degree being a big help 鈥� and I want to be able to say that I did it.鈥�  

Gavin Bell is a sophomore animal science major from Hemingford, 91茄子.