NORFOLK, Neb. – With his decades of experience in farming and banking, Donovan Ellis understands firsthand many of the primary challenges in the region that Northeast Community College faces.
It is that type of understanding that he brings to Northeast Community College, serving as a District 1 representative from Pierce on the Board of Governors. For these reasons and more, Ellis was named the Northeast Governor of the Year and honored last month by the Nebraska Community College Association during its annual conference in Norfolk.
Ellis earned an associate of arts degree from Centerville Junior College (Iowa) and a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Northwest Missouri State College. He is a retired vice president at Midwest Bank. Ellis has served on the Nebraska Banker’s Association (NBA) Board of Directors and served as an NBA committee chairman.
Leah Barrett, Northeast president, said Ellis sees the big picture and often asks questions not everyone considers. He also is a great college supporter.
“Donovan and his wife, Barb, are frequent visitors to our campuses,” Barrett said. “They represent the board of governors with grace and thoughtfulness, and get to know our students, faculty and staff.”
Ellis overcame a challenging background. His father passed away on the farm in Iowa when he was 12, and he and his mother knew the importance of education and hard work.
Eventually, he had to leave the farm because of some physical problems, but that led him into a career in ag financing.
He is focused on ensuring that access and affordability are priorities at Northeast.
Ellis’ efforts in leadership at Northeast are testament to his willingness to serve others. By nature, he is outgoing and tries to build consensus. Since being appointed in 2018 and winning re-election in 2020 and 2024, he has served as secretary and currently is serving as vice chair of the board.
He is also the vice chair of the Board Governance Committee. He is effective at policy writing and review, working closely with his colleagues each month to review monitoring reports and ensuring policy aligns with practice.
“His background provides him with a practical approach that serves our board well. He is never afraid to ask where revenue will come from, not only in the short term, but if a program or offering will provide benefit for future generations,” Barrett said.
Outside of higher education, he has a diversity of interests, serving on the Norfolk Area Concert Association Board of Directors, which works to bring entertainment offerings such as the ballet, concerts and the Omaha Symphony to Norfolk.
He is a deacon and very active at Northern Heights Baptist Church, where he and Barb are members. Ellis has taught Bible studies and served on almost every leadership position or committee.
Governor Honored
Leah Barrett, Northeast Community College president, honored Donovan Ellis of Pierce as the Northeast Governor of the Year during the NCCA Convention in Norfolk last month. (Northeast Community College)
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