NORFOLK, Neb. – Northeast Community College has launched Rise Together, a new strategic plan that will guide the institution's work. Grounded in student success, workforce responsiveness, and organizational innovation, the plan provides a clear framework for advancing the College's mission and strengthening the communities it serves.
"Rise Together reflects who we are as an institution and where we aspire to go," said Dr. Leah Barrett, president of Northeast Community College. "The plan is guided by our values, informed by evidence, and shaped by the voices of those we serve. It represents a shared commitment to expanding opportunity and ensuring every learner, from those pursuing a degree to those taking a class or building a new skill, has the support needed to achieve their goals."
Rise Together was developed through an extensive 16-month planning process that engaged more than 900 stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, Board members, legislative officials, education leaders, industry partners, and community members from across Northeast Nebraska. The process also included a comprehensive review of institutional data, environmental scanning, and analysis of higher education trends and best practices.
“What stands out most about Rise Together is the commitment to our communities," said Donovan Ellis, chair of the Northeast Board of Governors. “The plan was shaped by hundreds of voices from across our 20-county region and reflects a shared vision for the future.”
Rise Together is grounded in the guided pathways framework and emphasizes clarity, support, and intentional design to help students successfully navigate their educational journey from entry through completion. The plan is organized around three strategic priorities: student success and support, workforce alignment and career readiness, and organizational adaptability and innovation.
The strategic plan will serve as a living guide for implementation and continuous improvement. Through shared responsibility and measurable outcomes, Northeast will track progress and remain accountable to students, employees, and the communities it serves.
“When students succeed, our communities, employers, and region succeed as well,” Barrett said. “Rise Together positions Northeast to continue transforming lives, strengthening communities, and meeting the evolving needs of Northeast Nebraska for years to come.”
The full strategic plan is available at Northeast.edu/RiseTogether.
