The Northeast Community College Foundation recognized five individuals with emeritus status, honoring their years of leadership, service and philanthropy in support of the College and its students. Dr. Robert P. Cox, Don Holloway, Wayne Studebaker, Dr. G. Tom "Doc" Surber, and Arlan Kuehn were recently named Directors Emeritus.
"These honorees represent the very best of Northeast Community College," said Dr. Leah Barrett, president of Northeast Community College. "Through their time, talents, leadership and generosity, they have helped shape the institution we know today. Their collective impact spans generations of students and has strengthened communities throughout the region. We are proud to recognize them as Directors Emeritus and celebrate the legacy each has created."
The Directors Emeritus designation is one of the highest honors bestowed by the Northeast Community College Foundation and recognizes former board members whose leadership, advocacy, philanthropy, and service have advanced the missions of both the Foundation and the College.
Dr. Robert P. Cox was recognized for more than five decades of service to Northeast Community College. Cox served as president of the College from 1972 to 1995, leading Northeast through a period of significant growth and expansion. Following his retirement, he continued serving on the Northeast Community College Foundation Board of Directors from 2003 to 2026. In recognition of the lasting contributions of Cox and his wife, Helen Ann, the College renamed its activities center the Cox Activities Center. Their legacy also continues through the Dr. Robert P. & Helen Ann Cox Family Endowed Scholarship, which supports students pursuing their educational goals.
Don Holloway was honored for his service on the Foundation Board from 2011 to 2020 and for his longstanding commitment to workforce development and student success. During his career, Holloway held executive leadership positions with Nucor Corporation and Vulcraft, including serving as a vice president of Nucor and the longest-tenured plant manager at Vulcraft's Norfolk operation. He and his wife, Marj, established the Don and Marj Holloway Drafting Scholarship, helping students prepare for careers in drafting and technical fields.
Wayne Studebaker was recognized for 25 years of service on the Foundation Board, including serving as board president from 2012 to 2016. A civil engineer and retired general manager of research and development for Nucor Corporation, Studebaker championed technical education and workforce development throughout his career. He and his wife, Harriet, established the Wayne and Harriet Studebaker Drafting Scholarship, supporting students pursuing careers in drafting and related industries.
Dr. G. Tom "Doc" Surber received emeritus recognition for his decades of service to Northeast and the emergency medical services profession. A retired Norfolk physician, Surber helped develop the College's EMT and Paramedic programs and has served as medical director since their inception. Along with his wife, Susan, he has supported Northeast through scholarships, emergency student assistance initiatives and numerous philanthropic efforts. In 2023, the College named the G. Tom "Doc" Surber, MD Conference Room in recognition of his contributions.
The late Arlan W. Kuehn was honored for his leadership and service to Northeast through both the Board of Governors and the Foundation Board. Kuehn represented District III on the Board of Governors from 2013 to 2021, including serving as vice chairperson and as the board's representative to the Foundation Board. He later served on the Foundation Board from 2022 to 2026. A successful business owner and former president of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association, Kuehn brought valuable expertise in workforce development, business partnerships, and community engagement to Northeast's mission.
Collectively, the five honorees contributed more than a century of service to Northeast Community College, helping strengthen educational opportunities for students and communities throughout northeast Nebraska. More information and previous honorees can be found at northeast.edu/giving/achievement-awards.
