Plainsman Pete is a wood carving that serves as a mascot for Northern Junior College (NJC). Commissioned by the NJC for its 45th year as an outstanding education institution, the sculpture was originally located outside on campus but was moved inside in the 1990s to ensure it did not become weather damaged. The piece is accompanied by a poem by Bud Christian, a retired humanities instructor at NJC: "Vigil keen and senses sure, Plainsman Pete, this friendly sentry, Artful guard of academe, Stands his timeless watch, A warranty that minds are free, And memories fond from NJC."