Rooted in passion, growing toward conservation: SE Tech student embraces horticulture

This piece is sponsored by Southeast Technical College.

When Ty Stuart started growing and collecting plants, he never imagined it would become the foundation for his future career. What began as a hobby soon blossomed into a passion — and now, a purpose.

Originally from Omaha, Stuart spent years working in the food service industry, often helping out at his family’s pizzeria. He tried college a couple of times but never found the right fit — until he discovered horticulture.

“I’ve always been drawn to the natural sciences,” Stuart said. “The more I learned about plants, the more I realized this could actually be something I build a career around.”

That realization led him to Southeast Technical College, where he’s now pursuing a degree in horticulture. With an expected graduation in 2026, Stuart has his sights set on something bigger than just a job — he wants a career rooted in conservation.

“Ultimately, I want to get into conservation work and research,” he explained. “Southeast Tech has been a great steppingstone. It’s given me a strong foundation and the chance to ‘dip my toes in the water’ to see if this is the direction I want to go. And it definitely is.”

Though conservation isn’t the most traditional path for a horticulture student, Stuart sees the versatility in the field. From land management to ecological research and even genetics, he’s exploring every branch of opportunity the program offers.

What brought him to Southeast Tech was more than just the coursework. It was the people, the flexibility and the real-world approach to education. After touring the horticulture program twice, he was impressed not only with the curriculum but also with how connected the instructors were to the industry.

“I really connected with the program and the staff,” Stuart said. “The location worked well for me, and the tuition was affordable. Plus, as someone juggling work and school, the class flexibility was a huge plus.”

As a nontraditional student, that support has made all the difference. “It can be tough balancing responsibilities outside of class, but STC gets it,” he said. “The staff has been incredibly understanding and accommodating. That kind of flexibility isn’t something you find everywhere.”

Stuart also has been impressed by how well the programs stay aligned with industry trends. “The equipment and methods we use in class are current with what’s being used out in the field right now,” he said. “That really stood out to me.”

In the next 10 years, Stuart hopes to be fully immersed in a career that blends his love of science with his commitment to environmental sustainability. Thanks to Southeast Tech’s hands-on, flexible approach to education, he’s well on his way.

“Southeast Tech helped me find the direction I was looking for,” he said. “Now, I’m doing something I love and building a future I can be proud of.”