Ag program founder honored by Siouxland college - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Northeast Community College's Ag Complex now bears the name of that Agriculture program's founder.

During a celebration of "40 years of Agriculture", the building's name was officially changed to the Chuck M. Pohlman Ag Complex.

Pohlman started the Ag program with just three students 40 years ago.

It has since grown to enroll more than 300.

Pohlman says the secret to the program's success is not only changing with technology, but also equipping the program with the right people.

"We've been very fortunate to hire good faculty. And, we have a veteran faculty, they've been with us for a long time. We have continuity from one year to the other and we have the people that aren't afraid to work," said Pohlman. 

Pohlman's original three students attended the celebration.

One faculty member says the interest in careers in Agriculture continues to be on the rise.

"When you think about food, fuel and fiber, nearly every job is in some way connected to agriculture. So, I think that is why we see the interest," said  Corrine Morris, NECC Interim Dean of Ag and Allied Health.

Morris says 85 to 90 percent of Northeast Ag graduates are likely to stay in the area to live and work, leading the way in rural revitalization.