NEW ORLEANS -- A Northeast Community College faculty member was selected by the Association of Community College Trustees as one of its regional award winners.
Brandon Keller, an Ag instructor, was named the William H. Meardy Faculty Member Award winner on Friday, October 24, at the ACCT Awards Gala in conjunction with the ACCT Leadership Congress. ACCT’s Regional Awards recognize the tremendous contributions made by community colleges and their leaders to meet the needs of their communities.
"Community colleges are uniquely committed to making high-quality higher education accessible to all people," said 2024-25 ACCT Board of Directors Chair and Bellevue College Vice Chair Rich Fukutaki, "serving as gateways to meaningful careers and continuing education for many. Our ACCT Association Awardees represent the best of the best in community college leadership."
"Identifying and recognizing outstanding community college leaders is a highlight of our year," said ACCT President and CEO Jee Hang Lee. "The 2025 awardees have performed outstanding feats of leadership over the past year. It is a privilege for all of us at ACCT to be able to shine a spotlight on some of the incredible people and programs at community colleges. Congratulations to all of this year's awards recipients."
Leah Barrett, Northeast president, said Keller creates a positive classroom experience and is an active college community member, leading and collaborating throughout Northeast.
“Brandon is an exceptional instructor. He connects contemporary issues with hands-on classroom experiences in ag business and farm management practices. Moreover, he provides out-of-the-classroom learning by taking students to programs like the USDA Ag Outlook Forum in Washington, D.C., ag business competitions and international experiences in Costa Rica and Scotland,” Barrett said.
In addition, Keller is an integral part of the campus community. He is a grants specialist; serving as a grant administrator on awarded grants and as a review panelist for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and USDA as well as being an NSF Mentor-Connect Fellow.
Charlene Widener, vice president of Educational Services, noted Keller's extensive involvement on- and off-campus in her nomination letter.
"Mr. Keller is a respected member of the faculty, campus community, and northeast Nebraska community," Widener said. "He puts students’ success first and is dedicated to personal growth. His work on campus and communities supports the development of people across the region."
Keller developed and currently advises the Ag Business Club. This club organizes monthly speakers, some of whom are open to the public. He has also been part of two Innovation Mini Grants developed to support institutional strategic goals.
Keller is working on his PhD coursework in Ag Leadership. He also has active roles with the Boy Scouts of America, the Norfolk Community Theatre, and the Norfolk Family YMCA. Due to his service to both the college and community, he was recognized as a Norfolk Connect Top 20 Under 40 in 2023.
There are five ACCT regions. Besides Nebraska, the Western Region consists of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas.
Keller Wins
Brandon Keller (center), Northeast Community College Ag instructor, receives the 2025 ACCT William H. Meardy Faculty Member Award on Friday in New Orleans. Also shown are Rich Fukutaki (left), Bellevue College, Washington; and Jee Han Lee, president and chief executive officer of ACCT.
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