20 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2024 NC Trade Show Exhibitor day-to-day operations,” VanOverbeke says. “I also serve as an ex-officio on all of our livestock industry boards, so I prioritize those meetings. I already had strong ties to the beef industry, so I focused on getting connected to the pork, dairy, poultry and other industries in Nebraska.” Another area she focused on included bringing visibility to her department. She visited places like the state fair to raise awareness about the department. “Being seen and being active is important,” VanOverbeke says. “We need to ensure Nebraska students know that we’re here for them, so we are always finding ways to reach out to them to let them know that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the place to come for an animal science degree. We’re in the process of developing a new strategic plan on how to be more visible.” She has also hired new faculty within the Department of Animal Science to bolster its reputation and impact. “I was able to hire a rodeo coach and a ruminant nutrition associate research professor,” VanOverbeke says. “A new livestock judging coach will join us in December. We’re focusing on where the holes are and who we need to hire to fill those capacities. We’re looking forward to what the future holds.” The University of Nebraska Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center opened earlier this year. It provides hands-on education for animal science students and research opportunities for faculty. “I refer to the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center as the largest classroom to ever engage students,” VanOverbeke says. “It also allows us to do applied research for industry knowledge. Whether we’re researching, teaching current college students or hosting 4-H or FFA members, it is a great asset for our future.” Not only does the Department of Animal Science focus on livestock, but there are also those dedicated to companion and zoo animals. “We are researching exotic birds, cheetahs and other animals that you wouldn’t see on a farm or ranch,” VanOverbeke says. “We also have partnerships with the zoos at Lincoln and Omaha and companion animal owners around the state. Whether students want to go into meat science, companion animal management, veterinary medicine or something else, we can offer many opportunities for our students.” She says the future is bright for the department, and there are plans to improve continuously. “We are going to start rolling out our brand-new strategic plan, and we’re going to have an academic program review to help us review that strategic plan and provide additional guidance,” VanOverbeke says. “It’ll help us identify our priorities moving forward, and we’re excited to start that process.” Twenty-five years in the making, it’s good to have VanOverbeke back in Nebraska! ~NC~ RETURNING TO NEBRASKA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19
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