Curtis, Neb. – Joel Hodgson of Overton, Neb., has been named NCTA’s Aggie of the Month for February. Hodgson was recently named to the 2009 USCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National All-Academic Team for his success on the court as well as in the classroom. Hodgson played basketball two years at NCTA, starting both years and amassing a 3.956 GPA.

Hodgson is enrolled as an Agriculture Production Systems major and will graduate with an Associate of Science degree in May. He plans to further his education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, working toward a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science.

In addition to playing basketball, Hodgson volunteers as a tutor and works as a Writing Consultant in the NCTA Writing Center. He is a member of the Student Senate, Fellowship of Christian Cowboys, and Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

Eric Reed, Assistant Professor and NCTA Writing Center Director, notes that Hodgson’s desire to succeed affects every task he undertakes. Reed says Hodgson should be recognized for his integrity, commitment, service, and academic and athletic achievements.

Growing up on a farm, Hodgson quickly fell in love with agriculture. The desire to stay in agriculture led him to NCTA. “My dream is to eventually come back to the family farm which is located close to Overton,” he says. “I know that nothing would have been possible without God.”