NCTA Alumna and Veterinarian McKenzie Hendricks Shares Career Journey with Students

The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture welcomed alumna Dr. McKenzie (Beals) Hendricks back to campus to speak with students in Success in Veterinary Technology and Success in Animal Science classes. Earlier this fall, she also met with online veterinary technology students to discuss professionalism and career readiness.

Dr. Hendricks grew up on a small farm near Alexandria, Nebraska, where she helped care for cattle, horses, and sheep. Since her high school did not offer agriculture courses or FFA, she found her interest in agriculture through 4-H and online agriculture classes.
 
She graduated from NCTA in 2015 with an associate degree in Agriculture Production Systems in Animal Science and was the valedictorian of her class. Some of her favorite memories at NCTA include being part of the Ranch Horse Team, serving as editor of the student newspaper, and learning alongside classmates in hands-on agriculture courses.

Starting her college journey at NCTA was a practical and valuable decision. Beginning with an associate degree helped her save a significant amount of tuition and prepared her to earn a full scholarship when she transferred to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for her bachelor’s degree in animal science. She then completed the Nebraska-Iowa State Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine through the two-plus-two partnership and graduated from veterinary school with magna cum laude honors.

Today, Dr. 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.

Among her achievements, Dr. Hendricks is especially proud of graduating as valedictorian while also working multiple jobs and completing sixteen UNL credits online during her time at NCTA. After graduation, she continued to excel academically at UNL and in veterinary school. She later bought into her veterinary practice and expanded the business to include bovine embryo work, which is a personal area of interest.

Her advice to current students was simple and powerful. She encouraged them to find strong mentors and advisors who can help guide them toward their goals.

Dr. 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.

Students appreciated the opportunity to learn about real-world veterinary work, entrepreneurship, animal science careers, and opportunities in rural Nebraska.

The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) in Curtis is a two-year institution within the University of Nebraska system, dedicated to developing the next generation of agricultural professionals and veterinary technicians. NCTA offers specialized programs in Animal Science, Agronomy, Ag Equipment, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Education, Equine Industry Management, and Veterinary Technology—all grounded in a practical, career-focused approach to learning.