SOUTH SIOUX CITY – Northeast Community College continues to meet the workforce development needs in the South Sioux City region through its extended campus in the Dakota County community.
At a recent South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce Coffee Hour at the extended campus at 1001 College Way, Dr. Cyndi Hanson, executive director of Northeast in South Sioux City, said she is grateful for the support of the College by the Chamber and the area’s business community.
“I want to thank you for being the great partners that you are in the community. It’s been wonderful to come into this position and really feel the partnership with all of the businesses and organizations in South Sioux City,” she said. “Because of your involvement with us and telling us what your needs are, we have been able to expand the lifelong learning opportunities such as some specialized computer skills in small groups that people have asked for over the past year.”
In addition, Hanson said with the South Sioux City business community’s support, Northeast hosted its inaugural Latino Youth Summit, where over 150 juniors and seniors in high school, of Latino descent, were encouraged to continue their education and learn more about higher education opportunities.
Hanson said South Sioux City Public Schools has also been an excellent partner, which has allowed for the expansion of dual credit offerings through Northeast.
“That keeps the cost of college low for students,” Hanson said, “by getting those credits while in they’re in high school.”
Also at the event, Mary Honke, Northeast co-interim president, provided an update on the presidential search at the college. Northeast is searching for a successor to Dr. Michael Chipps, who retired in May.
Honke said one of the key characteristics that the Northeast Board of Governors has identified in its new president is that the successful candidate understands the importance of rural revitalization.
“That means to understand what it means to serve an area like Northeast serves as well as knowing the importance of outreach in our communities and the rural areas throughout our 20 counties,” Honke said. “That will be a critical component into what we are looking for.”
Emily Duncan, director of adult education at Northeast, also discussed Northeast’s partnership with Tyson Foods on its Upward Academy. Upward Academy is a workforce education program developed by Tyson with a focus on reducing the social impact of social challenges for its front-line team members by providing free and accessible classes and services. Northeast’s Adult Education Department is working with Tyson in providing instructors to teach classes, which are all held in the Tyson Dakota City facility, allowing team members to participate before or after their shifts in familiar surroundings.
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PHOTO CUTLINE
Michela Keeler-Strom, dean of institutional planning and effectiveness at Northeast Community College, visits with Lance Hedquist, city administrator South Sioux City, during a Coffee Hour event at Northeast’s extended campus in the Dakota County community recently. The event was sponsored by the South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce.