The University of Nebraska System has released the latest episode of its "Shaping the Future" video series, featuring Dr. Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR). The series, hosted by President Jeff Gold, features conversations with researchers, students, educators and partners across the state who are changing lives and making an impact.
In the video, Dr. Heng-Moss shares insights on how CASNR is training the next generation of ag leaders, helping to grow Nebraska’s economy and developing strong partnerships with K-12 schools statewide. Now in her second five-year term as dean, Dr. Heng-Moss is continuing to grow and develop CASNR’s pathways to college and careers for Nebraska students.
Growing up on a farm in Northeast Nebraska, Dr. Heng-Moss’s experiential learning opportunities and mentorships during her time as a UNL student ultimately ignited her passion for agricultural sciences—leading to her successful career today.
“UNL faculty were incredibly important to my journey and my professional development, and I'm grateful to those who invested in me and took a chance on a student from small town Nebraska,” Dr. Heng-Moss said. “When I reflect upon my journey, I couldn’t have selected a more meaningful and impactful career. It allows me to combine my passions for ag, research and education.”
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources develops professionals that will have a positive impact on society statewide and globally. As the college’s leader, Dr. Heng-Moss has developed ag education partnerships with 214 school districts statewide and with over 12,000 students involved in FFA programs.
On the local level, CASNR partnerships create enormous impact for students and the state. Lincoln Public Schools and CASNR launched an early college and career program, FEWS2. The program—focused on food, energy, water and societal systems—integrates these concepts with LPS curriculum at Northeast High School and exposes students to career opportunities in key areas for Nebraska’s economy.
“The Lincoln Public Schools curriculum is focused on FEWS2 which is augmented by experiential learning through CASNR,” Dr. Heng-Moss said. “The most important thing that we're doing is exposing students to future career opportunities.”
Dr. Gold praised Dr. Heng-Moss’s leadership and emphasized the impact that CASNR programs have on the state’s future:
“Our land-grant mission is about creating opportunities—for students, for industries, and for the future of Nebraska,” he said. “CASNR’s work in building career pathways and workforce partnerships is a great example of how the University of Nebraska is shaping the future.”
New episodes of “Shaping the Future” are released monthly and feature faculty, staff, students and partners from across the university’s four campuses and the state of Nebraska. Topics will include athletics, counterterrorism, student success, healthcare, K-12 education and many others.