O’NEILL – “The O’Neill extended campus is a tremendous asset to the community,” said Ann Crumly of O’Neill. She is among several former Northeast Community College students who are thrilled the College is working to construct a new extended campus facility in the Holt County community.
“I know that for me personally, having the option to complete my nursing degree through the Northeast extended campus played a big part in my husband and I in moving back to the O’Neill area.”
Crumly said she had been taking college classes in Lincoln, but when the opportunity arose for she and her husband to join the family farming operation, their decision to move back home was made much easier by the fact that she could complete her degree through Northeast’s O’Neill Extended Campus. “All of my prerequisite classes transferred seamlessly, and I was able to pick up right where I left off with the added convenience of being able to do the classroom work right in O’Neill!”
While Northeast has continued to meet the educational needs of the citizens in the western portion of its service area in O’Neill, it has become increasingly difficult to continue to provide services in an effective manner based on the condition and limitations of the current facility.
Over the past 15 years, Northeast Community College has invested heavily in the installation of modern technology systems, internet access, and distance learning technology in several classrooms in the current facility, a 1938 former elementary school building. An investment in a chair lift has also allowed students access to the basement level computer lab.
Students and area residents, however, said the effectiveness of equipping the older classrooms is compromised by the ambient noises produced by antiquated radiator steam heating and air conditioning window unit systems that disrupt student learning. The rooms also tend to be to be either too hot or too cold, making it uncomfortable for the instructors and students. The classrooms on the upper level of the building are also not accessible to those with physical disabilities.
The building’s infrastructure is outdated with inadequate plumbing. In addition, since the building continues to be used for a number of public activities, security of the building and equipment is a concern.
In order to provide the services the region needs, Northeast Community College has undertaken a $2.8 million dollar capital campaign to finance a new extended campus in O’Neill. It will be located on East Highway 275 next to the Farm Credit Services of America building.
The new O’Neill Extended Campus will offer more than what is available at the current location. In addition to more classroom and lab space, it will feature a large area with over-sized doors that will be designed to be used for industrial and agricultural training classes. A site adjacent to that portion of the facility is available for future expansion.
“Through the current Education Center in O’Neill, Northeast Community College has provided college-level classes, personal interest classes, and workforce training to thousands of people in the region,” said Dr. Michael Chipps, Northeast president. “However, the former elementary school in which the extended campus is currently located no longer meets the needs of today’s highly-technical learning environments and does not have space to expand training for businesses and industries.”
Northeast Associate Vice President of Development and External Affairs Dr. Tracy Kruse is serving as capital campaign manager. She said $2.4 million has been raised to date.
To learn more about the Northeast Community College’s O’Neill Extended Campus Campaign, visit the website northeast.edu/oneill-campaign. For questions or more information, call Dr. Kruse, at (402) 844-7056 or via email at [email protected].
