NORFOLK – Northeast Community College has been named a finalist for a prestigious award from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

Northeast is one of four finalists among the nation’s community colleges for the AACC’s 2015 Exemplary CEO/Board of Trustees Award of Excellence. The award recognizes a community college whose CEO/Board of Trustees collaboration and working relationship are exemplary in promoting effectiveness in community college governance.

Dr. Michael Chipps, Northeast president, said being named a finalist for the award is a testament to an excellent board that serves the College.

“As president of Northeast Community College in Nebraska, I am continually amazed at the caliber, passion, and work of our College. For over 34 years, I have had the distinct privilege of serving three community college systems and have also served as an educational consultant for over 60 colleges and universities.  Over this span of three decades, I now have the utmost pleasure of working for a highly visionary, engaged and motivated Board that deeply understands what it means to govern. The dedication, commitment, wisdom, and passion of the Northeast Community College Board are second to none.”

Prior to becoming president at Northeast, Chipps said the Board of Governors outlined its vision of taking the college to the next level of development.

“We are living out that vision on a daily basis through the collective effort of the board, our senior leadership team, faculty, and staff.  Our board has taken thoughtful steps forward to prepare the college for the 21^st century needs of rural America and has provided me with the direction and support necessary to assure their vision is achieved. This board understands governance and bestows the president with the proper authority to lead and accomplish their goals.”

John W. Davies, of Pilger, immediate past board chair, said the Board has engaged in self-reflection and sought opportunities in recent years to improve its practices and provide more support for the leadership of the college.

“The board strongly believed in the need to reflect on where the college was and the direction it needed to go to more effectively address student success. Their review and reshaping of the college involved working with organizations who guided us on excellent board and presidential relationships, board roles and responsibilities, policy development and goal identification,” Davies said.  “This process has helped the Northeast board identify goals that directly align with institutional priorities.”

Other members of the Board include Steven Anderson, of Concord; Arlan Kuehn, of South Sioux City; Keith Harvey of Creighton; Dr. Terry Nelson, ofWest Point; Dr. Don Oelsligle, of Tilden, Dirk Petersen, of Norfolk; Shirley Petsche, of Petersburg, Larry Poessnecker, of Atkinson, Julie Robinson, ofNorfolk and Gene Willers, of Pilger.

Finalists for the award will be recognized during the 95th Annual AACC Convention in San Antonio, TX, on Monday, April 20.

This is the second time in as many years that Northeast has been named a finalist for an award presented by the AACC at the national level. The College was recognized in 2013 with the American Association of Community Colleges Awards of Excellence in the Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership category for its collaborative work with the Nucor Detailing Center in Norfolk.