Kali Mangelsen’s academic journey reflects determination, passion for agriculture, and a commitment to pursuing opportunities that support both personal and professional growth.
Mangelsen, an animal science student from Norfolk, Nebraska, graduated in May 2026 after building a college experience defined by growth, leadership, and hands-on opportunity. Her decision to attend Northeast was shaped by both personal and practical factors.
“The main factor that pushed me into choosing Northeast was the affordability that is influenced by the scholarships and foundations offered,” Mangelsen said.
Raised by a single mother who balanced a full-time healthcare career while caring for three children, Mangelsen credits her upbringing with shaping her determination and work ethic. “I was brought up with a mindset to work hard and follow your dreams along the way,” she said.
Although she did not grow up on a traditional farm, Mangelsen found her passion for agriculture through experience, spending summers on horseback and helping extended family with agricultural work. “I’m not your typical agriculture student. I didn’t live on a farm my whole life, but I found a passion and love for agriculture,” she shared.
At Northeast, that passion quickly turned into action. Mangelsen immersed herself in opportunities beyond the classroom. “Walking into my experience here, I thought I would just be taking classes and getting a degree, but it has been so much more than that,” she said.
One of her earliest experiences included traveling to Texas, to compete in the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) competition. There, she contributed to top team finishes in Agricultural Communications and Agricultural Education while also submitting an individual portfolio.
Her hands-on experience continued through a summer internship at Bonner Performance Horses south of Norfolk. What began as barn work evolved into a career-building opportunity. Today, Mangelsen has accepted a full-time position where she takes on responsibilities with her own horses and clients, applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.
In her second year, Mangelsen was selected for the inaugural C2A3 ASPIRE Student Leadership Program, an opportunity that further expanded her experiences. Through the program, she helped organize an equine dentistry seminar, bringing FFA students to campus to learn about horse care and dental health.
The experience encouraged her to explore new areas of agriculture. Reflecting on that growth, she said, “Stepping out of your comfort zone is always a good risk to take because you may not know what you will learn or how you will grow.”
Through ASPIRE, Mangelsen traveled to Wisconsin and later to Washington, D.C., where she attended the Agriculture Outlook Forum and presented her project to representatives from USDA Rural Development and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. She described the experience as one of her “college highlights.”
Mangelsen’s momentum continued this spring as she competed again at the national level, contributing to a first-place Agricultural Business team finish and a reserve champion portfolio team recognition.
Looking ahead, Mangelsen plans to continue her education in the Pre-Veterinary Technician program, further pursuing a career working with animals, a goal shaped by both her experiences and her passion.
Throughout her journey, Mangelsen highlights how scholarships, including the Elmer and Eunice Mohl Scholarship and the Emrich Memorial-COE Cattle Company Scholarship, have made these opportunities possible.
“Because of your generosity, students like myself are able to take advantage of opportunities and attend college without the financial stressor that many of us come in with,” she said.
Her story reflects the impact of donor support, helping students access education while also empowering them to grow, explore career pathways, and achieve their goals.
“Generosity from donors offers more than just financial relief,” Mangelsen said. “It creates opportunities for us to grow, develop our skills, and pursue our future careers.”
To learn more about giving opportunities, please contact the Northeast Community College Foundation by visiting northeast.edu/giving/foundation-scholarships.
