The educational world is fortunate to have many leaders who care deeply about others.
At Northeast Community College, Faye Kilday’s drive to help faculty and students reach their full potential is exceptional. She always is working, making the world a better place.
The dean of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was the Nebraska Community College Association Administrator Award winner at Northeast. The award was presented earlier this month during the NCCA Conference in Lincoln by Northeast President Leah Barrett.
In her role, Kilday leads strategic initiatives that elevate instructional quality, faculty development and student success. She oversees instructional technology, professional development programming, course design standards, and process improvement ensuring alignment with accreditation standards and institutional goals. She also provides leadership for Early College, expanding dual credit access to high school students within the region while maintaining academic rigor.
Kilday began her career at Northeast in 2010 as an adjunct instructor in Criminal Justice. She has spent her entire professional career serving within the Nebraska Community College system and continues to strive for access, quality and innovation — driven by her personal experience and deep desire to grow the rural communities where she lives. She has seen firsthand the transformative power of Northeast in her own family and in the lives of those throughout the region.
Many who work with Kilday appreciate her dedication to higher education.
Jessie McCormick, Early College navigator at the South Sioux City Extended Campus, said Kilday is a leader of high integrity who has the ability to consistently balance what are often challenging workplace experiences.
“She empowers and encourages her colleagues to work independently but is also quickly present when direction and support are needed,” McCormick said. “She tows the line but does so with both her head and her heart. She gracefully provides her team with feedback while also celebrating the wins -- big and small. The consistency of her leadership is invaluable, because in turn, it creates a team culture of trust. How lucky are we!”
Kilday’s work spans all divisions in Education Services and has included a compliance and enforcement role. Colleagues said she does a great job of listening and communicating with others, maintaining a positive attitude when communicating with others on campus.
During the absence of a chief academic officer, Kilday stepped in to assist and fill the gap. Her leadership, commitment to student success and desire to provide educational opportunities to all students is evident in her work.
Here are some more comments from others:
“With her generosity, expertise, and forward-thinking approach, Faye is a true leader who never hesitates to lend a hand and consistently keeps students at the heart of her work,” said Erin Sharpe, director of the iHub.
“I go to Faye with a lot of questions because she has taken the time over many years to learn about how my program operates. Also, I know she will listen,” said Scott Abels, Developmental English & ESL instructor/coordinator.
“Faye is the true definition of a leader. With her at the helm there is always calm to the chaos because she handles business with poise. Her dedication to those on her team, students, faculty and administration is unmatched. I can't even begin to count the number of times I have thought or said, 'Just ask Faye!' She is a wealth of knowledge, professionalism and committed leader,” said Amber Marcellus, Nebraska Math Readiness Project (NRMP) regional coordinator.
Before joining Northeast, Kilday completed her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with a Criminal Justice minor at the University of Nebraska-Kearney and a master’s in security management from Bellevue University.
Besides her talents in leadership and academics, Kilday is a tremendous baker and has a soft heart for others. If it is “Pi Day,” (3.14 or March 14), she will bring at least a dozen pies and cakes (for those who don’t like pie) to share with people. She also brings other goodies for employees and students on special occasions, such as birthdays or if someone has a reason to celebrate.
She and her husband, Jay, have two children, Dane Kilday (May 2025 Northeast grad), and Drew Kilday (current Northeast Early College student. Her passion for helping others extends to animals, as the family also raise small animals at their rural Meadow Grove home.
Faye Kilday Honored
Leah Barrett, Northeast Community College president, presented Faye Kilday of Meadow Grove (center) with the Northeast Administrator of the Year Award during the NCCA Convention in Lincoln on Sunday, November 2. Also shown on the right is Courtney Wittstruck, executive director of the NCCA. (ChadCRG Images)
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