NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – The dean of student success at Northeast Community College has been recognized as the top administrator among Nebraska’s community colleges. Shelley Lammers was presented the Nebraska Community College Association’s (NCCA) 2023 Administrator Award during the association’s annual conference recently in North Platte.
At Northeast Community College, Lammers is known for always putting students first. Amanda Nipp, vice president of Student Services, said anytime an idea is proposed, or a problem is brought to the table, Lammers is the first to ask how it will look to students or what its impact may be on the student experience.
“In her role as dean, Shelley has demonstrated outstanding leadership and perseverance by leading Northeast’s Strengthening Student Advising Initiative, which was developed with the objective that if students receive more intentional and intrusive advising, then there should be a striking increase in student retention, persistence, and completion,” Nipp said. “Additionally, she has been instrumental in revamping the academic standards structure at Northeast with the focus on student success -- as well as support, guidance, and promotion of the TRIO College Success program.”
Lammers was also a key player in initiating Northeast’s Becoming a Hawk program that ensures students integrate into the culture of college with the assistance of everyone across the college at the beginning of the academic year.
A colleague described Lammers as someone who understands that each student’s path is different from the next, and that we must support and serve them in such a way that tailors to their individual needs and the specific goals they wish to achieve.
“Shelley never attempts to solve issues or concerns with a one-size-fits-all perspective and wholeheartedly attempts to build meaningful relationships with every student she encounters, allowing her to serve them to the best of her ability,” her co-worker said. “She is a team player and consistently keeps the big picture in mind. She is creative and is an excellent communicator and can always manage to find her way through any challenge by focusing on what’s doing right for students. The proof is in the increased retention rates of Northeast students, and I know without a doubt that Northeast’s student retention and completion rates would not be where they are now without Shelley Lammers leading the way.”
NCCA’s Administrator Award is presented annually to one administrator from the five member institutions of the association - Central Community College, Mid-Plains Community College, Northeast Community College, Southeast Community College, and Western Nebraska Community College.
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