NORFOLK, Neb. – These are exciting times for community colleges in Nebraska, with opportunities and challenges discussed during a two-day conference in Norfolk.
Northeast Community College hosted the Nebraska Community College Association annual conference, which had a theme of “Workforce Strategies for a New Economy.”
The conference began Sunday, Nov. 3, at Divots Conference Center, with Central, Mid-Plains, Northeast, Southeast and Western community colleges presenting awards during a dinner and awards ceremony. Sunday also included the NCCA Board of Directors meeting and tours of the Northeast campus in Norfolk.
On Monday, Nov. 4, this year’s conference activities shifted to the Northeast campus. Much of the focus was on regional economies and the role that community colleges play.
Leah Barrett, Northeast president, said it was an honor to host the community college partners, along with guest speakers Ben Armstrong, who is a researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Industrial Performance Center, and Matt Hastings, the executive director of NSWERS. NSWERS is a partnership that promotes a strong economy and good jobs in the state.
Barrett said it was inspiring to hear the relationship between data and researchers learning how community colleges can approach their relationships while working with students and industry partners and faculty to prepare for future jobs in Nebraska.
There is reason for optimism in Nebraska, which along with the Dakotas, is leading growth in middle income earners. Data shows other gains have been made in Austin, Texas, and parts of Colorado.
Middle-wage jobs have a national median wage in the middle third of the income distribution. And for a variety of reasons, including strong manufacturing, Nebraska has been at the top of the list where there is possibility for income “upward mobility.”
But there are challenges. The so-called “brain drain” where college graduates leave for other states has been taking place since the 1970s, with Midwesterners especially mobile. Among the ways to combat it are strengthening socio- and economic ties to the area, offering the right degree fields and promoting and increasing in-state work opportunities. Internships also play a role.
Northeast and other community colleges recognized their award winners. The following award winners were honored from Northeast: Sara Barritt, Norfolk, (Faculty Award); Brandon McLean, Norfolk, (Administrator’s Award); Tom Rudloff of Battle Creek (Distinguished Alumni), Donovan Ellis, Pierce, (Governors’ Award).
The community colleges take turns hosting the annual conference. Last year’s conference was hosted by Mid-Plains at its North Platte South Campus.
Keynote speaker
Ben Armstrong, executive director of MIT’s Industrial Performance Center and co-lead of work of the Future Initiative, was the keynote speaker Monday, Nov. 4, during the annual NCCA conference in Norfolk. (Northeast Community College)
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