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Rep. Adrian Smith

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Weldon Sleight as he retires as Dean of the University of Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA).

Dean Sleight has led NCTA since 2006 and played a vital role in supporting the college legacy and our rural agriculture economy along the way.

Under his watch NCTA constructed a new residence hall, expanded the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and built a state-of-the-art education center.

In addition, Dean Sleight has established innovative programs combining entrepreneurship and agriculture such as the ``Combat Boots to Cowboy Boots'' initiative, designed to assist military personnel, their families and veterans in becoming farmers and ranchers; and the ``100 Beef Cow Ownership Advantage'' program which assists students, parents, employers, and agencies in creating successful businesses and ranch transfer plans.

When Dean Sleight retires in December of this year, we wish him the best of luck and thank him for his contribution to agriculture, education and Nebraska.