LINCOLN, Neb. – Four Northeast Community College students were named to the 2025 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Nebraska Academic Team.
The all-state academic team is sponsored by PTK – an international honor society for two-year colleges – and the Nebraska Community College Association, to recognize students for academic achievement, leadership, and service.
Aziz Tadzhibaev, an international student from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, currently living in Norfolk, Keli Shermer of Hadar, Barrett Andel of David City, and Barrett Andel of Wood River joined other all-state team members from five other community colleges in Nebraska in being recognized by PTK with the prestigious honor.
The honorees were each presented Nebraska All-State Academic Team medallions and certificates during a ceremony in Lincoln.
The event took place during Community College Month in Nebraska where PTK members and advisers were recognized on the floor of the Legislature and heard from Gov. Jim Pillen prior to receiving their awards.
Tadzhibaev recently graduated with an Associates of Arts (AA) degree in Information Technology-Computer Science and a certificate in Information Technology General. He plans to transfer to a four-year university in that fall.
“What motivates me to succeed is my passion for both sports and technology, as well as my desire to make a positive impact in the world. Growing up, I faced many challenges, and overcoming them taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. My athletic background, especially in Taekwondo and kickboxing, has instilled in me discipline, focus, and a drive to always push my limits. Additionally, my passion for cybersecurity and IT fuels my ambition to excel in the tech field. Ultimately, I'm motivated by the opportunity to use mv skills to inspire others and make meaningful contributions,” Tadzhibaev said.
Shermer recently graduated with an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Elementary Education. She plans to transfer to Wayne State College in the fall.
“My parents are the driving force that makes me want to succeed. They support me in everything that I do and always encourage me. They raised me with kindness and hard work. I owe them everything and always want to succeed in what I do, so they can be proud. I also want to show that although I may be quiet, I can still be independent and use my voice when needed. I want to be able to live comfortably and let my parents also live nicely,” Shermer said.
Andel recently graduated with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Agriculture-Agribusiness and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Agronomy. He is entering the workforce.
“Growing up my family didn't have a lot of money. We farm, so there were a lot of years when the money that our family had available was very tight because the markets for commodities were down. I would say the things that motivate me most to succeed in life are my past experiences and hardships from when I was growing up. I want to succeed in life so I can provide for my parents and future family without having to worry about making enough money to support all of us,” Andel said.
Dubbs recently graduated with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Agriculture-Agronomy and is seeking an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Precision Agriculture. He plans to enter the workforce.
Dubbs also has been selected as a 2025 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar.
“Earning my associate’s degree with honors, participating in agricultural programs and activities, and finding employment in my field of study are a few things that motivate me to succeed. Knowing my family worked hard, yet struggled with finances, motivates me to be successful and to be able to provide for my future family. Another motivator has been growing up on my family farm and watching previous generations work hard, respect the land, and produce for others. I look forward to continuing what my family has done for many years,” Dubbs said.
PTK All Staters
Shown from left are Northeast President Leah Barrett, Keli Shermer, Hadar; Dillon Dubbs, Wood River; Barrett Andel, David City; Aziz Tadzhibaev, Norfolk; Colleen Barnes, Criminal Justice and Sociology instructor and PTK adviser; and Amanda Nipp, vice president of Student Services and PTK adviser. (ChadCRDImages)
