Northeast Community College board member recognized for leadership, service and advocacy for community colleges.
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – Nicole Sedlacek, vice chairperson of the Northeast Community College Board of Governors, has received the Nebraska Community College Association (NCCA) Governor’s Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership, service, and contributions to community college education.
Sedlacek received the award Sunday, Oct. 4, during the NCCA Awards Banquet at the association’s annual conference in Scottsbluff.
A member of the Northeast Board of Governors since November 2019, Sedlacek has held several leadership positions during her tenure. She served as board secretary in 2024 and 2025 and was elected vice chairperson in 2026. She has also served on the Student Success, External Relations and Ownership Linkage committees, including chairing External Relations in 2021 and Ownership Linkage in 2022 and 2023.
“Nicole understands that the strength of a community college is directly connected to the strength of the communities it serves,” said Leah Barrett, president of Northeast Community College. “She brings together her experience in economic development, her commitment to rural Nebraska, and her passion for student success in a way that makes Northeast and our entire region stronger. Her leadership and advocacy have elevated the important role community colleges play in creating opportunity, developing our workforce, and building stronger communities.”
Sedlacek’s commitment to Northeast began before her election to the Board of Governors. She served for five years on the Northeast Community College Foundation Board of Directors. She also co-chaired the capital campaign that helped establish Northeast’s extended campus in O’Neill, expanding access to education, training, and college services in north central Nebraska. She later played an important role in fundraising efforts supporting the College of Nursing capital campaign in the O’Neill area.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the Governor’s Award,” Nicole Sedlacek said. “As a Northeast graduate, I am especially proud to give back to an institution that has meant so much to me. Community colleges create opportunities that change lives while strengthening the businesses and communities they serve. I’m grateful to work alongside so many people who share a commitment to student success, workforce development, and building a stronger future for Nebraska.”
Nicole Sedlacek’s leadership extends beyond Northeast through her service and advocacy at the state and national levels. She has represented Northeast on the NCCA Board of Directors since January 2023, serving as secretary, treasurer and president before completing her presidential term in 2026. Sedlacek has also been a strong voice with policymakers, regularly meeting with state legislators, and testifying on legislation affecting community colleges. Nationally, she has advocated for community colleges through the Association of Community College Trustees National Legislative Summit and Rural Community College Alliance events in Washington, D.C.
Her community and economic development service includes leadership with the Nebraska Community Foundation, O’Neill Community Foundation Fund, O’Neill Development Corporation and O’Neill Rotary Club. She is also a past president of the Nebraska Economic Developers Association and has served as chair of the Nebraska State Chamber Economic Development Policy Council. That work has allowed her to connect education with workforce, business and community development priorities across Nebraska.
