NORFOLK, Neb. - Northeast Community College has recognized Jay V. Addison of Stuart as a member of its Alumni Hall of Success for his professional accomplishments, community leadership and service to others.
A 1998 graduate of Northeast, Addison attended the college as a liberal arts student and credits his time there with helping him develop the confidence to pursue new opportunities, overcome challenges and learn from setbacks.
During his acceptance speech at the recent Achievement Awards Ceremony , Addison reflected on his decision to attend Northeast after graduating from Stuart High School.
“I wanted to go to UNL, but it wasn't the place for me at that point,” Addison said. “Looking back, that self-awareness made all the difference.”
Like many students, Addison's educational path was not a straight line. After exploring several fields of study, he ultimately earned a degree in liberal arts. He often recalls a pivotal conversation with an academic adviser during his sixth semester, when he was encouraged to focus his academic direction and complete his degree.
“The community that I found here was very supportive,” Addison said. “I've continued to find that support at every stop that I've made along the way in higher education and in my career.”
After graduating from Northeast, Addison earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Ottawa University in Kansas. He later graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2012 and began his professional career as an enforcement attorney with the South Dakota Division of Securities.
In 2015, Addison returned to his hometown of Stuart and built a successful career in banking and financial services. Today, he serves as market president of Great Plains State Bank in O'Neill, overseeing branch operations and providing consumer, commercial, and agricultural lending services.
Beyond his professional career, Addison has dedicated his time to numerous organizations and community initiatives. He has served on the Stuart Public School Board, Teammates of Holt County, the Atkinson-Stuart Country Club Board, St. Boniface Parish and the Knights of Columbus. He has also held leadership positions with the Stuart Athletic Club, Stuart Community Club, and Stuart Community Foundation.
Many area residents know Addison as the public address announcer and proud “Voice of the Stuart Broncos” at Stuart Public Schools sporting events.
In his remarks at the Achievement awards Ceremony, Addison emphasized the importance of community support and credited others for helping him achieve his goals.
“Success is never achieved alone,” Addison said. “You've got to have the support behind you, spurring you on so that you can be successful. Success is best shared as well.”
He also encouraged those in attendance to strive for excellence, noting that success comes from consistently making choices that lead to growth and improvement.
The Alumni Hall of Success honor is awarded to past graduates and students who have achieved significant success in their professions, exhibited exemplary citizenship qualities, and/or made significant contributions to their communities and/or community affairs. Nominees should have completed a recognized diploma or degree from Northeast (or its predecessor colleges) or completed at least 24 credit hours at Northeast to be applied toward a degree at another college or university. Nominations are due May 31 of each year, and a nomination form can be found at: northeast.edu/giving/achievement-awards.
