A Northeast Community College board member who began serving in 2011 has been selected by the Association of Community College Trustees as one of its regional award winners.
Dirk Petersen of Norfolk was named the 2024 Trustee Leadership Award winner recently. ACCT’s Regional Awards recognize the tremendous contributions made by community colleges and their leaders to meet the needs of their communities.
“Community colleges serve countless needs throughout the country, from traditional higher education to workforce development, professional certifications, and much more,” said Jay Nardini, ACCT chair and Hawkeye Community College Trustee. “The individuals and institutions selected to receive this important recognition are deeply committed to their communities and regions. They work every day to change lives for the better.”
“Countless unheralded heroes work tirelessly at ACCT’s member colleges,” said Jee Hang Lee ACCT president. "We are proud to shine a spotlight on some of the nation’s most outstanding public servants and professionals through our regional awards program.”
In the Western Region in which Northeast Community College belongs, Petersen was named the winner. Individuals and colleges recognized at the regional level will contend for the national-level recognition of the following ACCT Association Award. The 2024 ACCT Awards program is sponsored by Edamerica.
Others who advanced among Trustees are Mary M. Zimmerman, Union College of Union County New Jersey, N.J.; Judy Chen Haggerty, Mt. San Antonio Community College District, Calif.; Caridad Lee, Santa Fe College, Fla.; and Joseph P. Murphy, Moraine Valley Community College, Ill.
One outstanding award recipient will be announced during the annual ACCT Awards Gala on Friday, Oct. 25, in Seattle, Washington, in conjunction with the 2024 ACCT Leadership Congress.
With approximately 40 years of industry experience, Petersen is an invaluable resource when it comes to business, industry, and manufacturing issues, to not only the Northeast board, but to the college as a whole.
Petersen served as chair of the Northeast Community College Board of Governors in calendar year 2018. His time on the board began when he was appointed in 2011 to fill an unexpired term. He was elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2016 and 2020. He is seeking another term in 2024.
Many years ago, Northeast developed a workforce development relationship with the Nucor Detailing Center in Norfolk. Petersen was actively involved in recruiting Nucor to locate its new facility in Norfolk; fully understanding the drafting program at Northeast Community College would provide a pipeline of talent to the new center.
The partnership was recognized by AACC as a finalist for its 2013 Awards of Excellence in the Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership category.
Petersen Honored
Dirk Petersen, a Northeast Community College board member, earned the Western Region ACCT Award for Trustees and will compete for the national honor in October in Seattle. (Kellen Photography)
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