Stacey Aldag, a Rock County High School graduate, brings deep regional familiarity to her new role as business and community liaison for Northeast Community College.
Aldag, who still has family ties to the western part of the Northeast 20-county service area, said her familiarity to the region helps to provide valuable perspective.
“Some things have changed. Knowing what it was like then and seeing what it is like now is an advantage,” she said.
Based primarily in O’Neill with a secondary office in Ainsworth, Aldag began her role in January. The former math instructor on the Norfolk campus said she was drawn to the position because it offers new opportunities to support others.
She plans to spend much of her time engaging directly with community members and organizations rather than working solely from an office.
“So far, I have been doing onboarding, but as this job gears up, I look to be out and about. I don’t really know how much time I will be in the office. I want to go out into the communities and see people as much as possible,” Aldag said.
Like other parts of rural Nebraska, these communities are filled with hardworking people who are honest and value their friends and family. The area is a great place to live, offering clean air, low crime and people who are willing to help one another.
It also is these traits that have prompted many from the region to move back – something Aldag has been told by business and community leaders in the time she has spent on the job.
“Our business leaders and community leaders are excited to see young people coming back to Nebraska. Businesses need workers. I see this as a perfect opportunity for me to get out there and visit with them about the resources we have at Northeast and help them get some training and job upscaling for their employees.”
Northeast adopted the business and community liaison to better serve its regional partners. Northeast is transitioning from its regional offices in Ainsworth and Hartington to a more dynamic approach through business and community liaisons.
Work will include:
- Building strong relationships with local businesses and economic development groups.
- Coordinating customized training and educational services.
- Collaborating with internal teams to ensure high-quality program delivery.
- Supporting curriculum development and trainer recruitment.
Aldag will be working with Merri Schneider, director of the O’Neill Extended Campus. They will support Northeast workforce development initiatives and iHub resources.
Whether it is skills to help entrepreneurs, workers to develop skills like welding or learning about business for innovation and economic growth, Aldag is available to help make connections and share what Northeast offers.
To contact Stacey Aldag, please email her at stacey@northeast.edu.
ID: Stacey Aldag
