Representing Iowa State University (ISU) as the research technician and calf manager for the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation’s Dairy Center, Bentley credits the time she spent there as an NICC dairy science student with preparing her to further her education at Iowa State University and go on to a successful career in Iowa’s dairy industry.

“The dairy management degree has given me numerous hands-on skills that are still useful today,” Bentley said, “Each student was required to work a certain number of hours at the dairy farm each semester. During this time, we ran the farm including feeding cows and calves, treating sick cows, breeding, and milking twice a day. These responsibilities gave me a taste for what it was going to be like in a real job and what it would be like to make the management decisions. I also learned people skills, how to deal with all types of people in different situations.”

This type of hands-on, applied learning was what lured Bentley from her hometown of Staceyville to NICC’s Calmar campus where she earned her AA degree in Dairy Herd Management. “I was looking for a two-year college in Iowa that would specialize in dairy management. I visited three different schools, but NICC was the only one that had full access to a dairy farm.”

Bentley’s two years at NICC where her spring board for an advanced education as she transferred to ISU with junior standing. “The instructors worked well with NICC to make sure I was taking the right courses there and that I wouldn’t be repeating courses at ISU,” Bentley said. “I also used my resources at NICC to help me. My instructor arranged meetings with professors at ISU so I would get to know them better,” she added.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dairy Science, Bentley came back to Calmar to head up research and calf care among other duties at the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation’s Dairy Center. She is considered an employee of the ISU Research and Demonstration Farms and collects data, oversees project, creates project proposals and budgets and transfers research findings while maintaining the calf barn, special needs barn, pre-fresh and dry cow areas.

Bentley’s husband Noah was also an NICC student. He graduated from the college’s electrical program and works for Hartley Electric out of Postville. The couple resides near Castalia with their 19-month-old son, Owen.

With a full-time job and a family, continuing her education is still a priority for Bentley. She is pursuing a Masters of Agriculture degree on-line through ISU. She also finds time to head the Winneshiek County Dairy Promoters as president, participate in activities with Zion Lutheran Church in Castalia and volunteer to help with youth dairy activities like 4-H quiz bowl. “I have realized that becoming involved in your community makes the community stronger and a better place to live,” Bentley added.

Crediting her community college experience, she offers this advice to others, “NICC can help other people succeed, whether they are going to school for one or two years or eight years. NICC is a great stepping stone for anyone’s career path.”