NORFOLK, Neb. — For one Northeast Community College alumnus, higher education was not defined by a straight path, but by perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Through dual-credit coursework, military service, and continued academic achievement, Northeast played a pivotal role in helping lay the foundation for both personal and professional success for Andrea Libengood.
Before officially becoming a college student, Libengood began her Northeast journey while still in high school, earning 18 college credit hours through dual-credit courses. While those credits initially seemed like a simple head start, they would later prove invaluable as life took an unexpected turn.
At age 17, Libengood joined the Army National Guard between her junior and senior years of high school. Following graduation, she attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha for a year before being called to active duty. She spent 15 months deployed, primarily in Iraq, an experience that reshaped her perspective and priorities.
When Libengood returned home, remaining close to family and community became increasingly important. Northeast Community College provided the flexibility and opportunity she needed to continue her education without losing momentum. By combining her dual-credit coursework, credits earned at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and one final semester at Northeast, she completed her associate degree and stayed on track academically.
"Northeast was really the launching point for the rest of my educational journey," says Libengood. "It gave me an early start, provided flexibility when life changed unexpectedly, and helped create the foundation that allowed me to continue on to earn both my bachelor's and master's degrees."
Because Libengood’s experience with Northeast occurred in different stages of life, her favorite memory is not tied to a specific classroom or event. Instead, it is the accomplishment of completing her associate degree after returning from deployment.
"Finishing that degree felt like both an ending and a beginning," Libengood said. "It represented moving forward after a significant interruption and becoming confident that there were still opportunities ahead."
Today, Libengood serves in a leadership role at Daycos, a Norfolk-based company that provides revenue and payment services for the moving and relocation industry. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of roles and responsibilities spanning operations, technology, product development, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.
Rather than following a carefully mapped-out professional path, Libengood credits curiosity, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace new challenges for her success.
"My career has been built one opportunity at a time," Libengood said. "I've learned different parts of the business, solved problems, and stepped into areas where I felt I could make a difference."
Her commitment to growth extends beyond the workplace and into the community she calls home. She currently serves as Chair of the Norfolk Area Community Foundation Fund and actively supports community initiatives that strengthen the Norfolk area. Community engagement is also reflected in Daycos' culture, which emphasizes giving back and making a positive impact.
As a wife and mother, Libengood says community has taken on an even deeper meaning over the years.
"Whether through volunteer leadership, my work, or simply being involved in the community where my family lives, I believe strongly in contributing to the place you call home," she said.
For current and future Northeast students, her message is simple: don't be discouraged if life doesn't unfold according to plan.
"Don't get too attached to what you think your path is supposed to look like," she said. "Take advantage of the opportunities in front of you, even when you can't see exactly where they will lead. Success doesn't have to follow a straight line, and sometimes the opportunity in front of you today becomes the foundation for something much bigger tomorrow."
Libengood’s story serves as a reminder that educational journeys often take unexpected turns, and that the right support, determination, and willingness to adapt can transform challenges into opportunities. For her, Northeast Community College was not only a place to earn a degree, but a stepping stone that helped make future achievements possible.
Northeast Community College encourages all alumni to share their stories by visiting northeast.edu/giving/alumni. Alumni are also encouraged to join the Northeast Community College Alumni Association group on LinkedIn by visiting www.linkedin.com/groups/1996723/.
