NORFOLK, Neb. – Lisa Reifenrath has been involved in advising at Northeast Community College since the first year advising model began.
She saw a need for students to have a more focused plan and access to a support system. Reifenrath was one of the first professional advisers at Northeast, demonstrating that Guided Pathways work well before that phrase was even uttered across campus.
It is for these reasons and more, Reifenrath was named the US Bank Great Performer Award for Staff for Northeast Community College during the recent Spring Semester In-Service.
Leah Barrett, Northeast president, said there likely isn’t a committee on campus that Reifenrath hasn’t served on or impacted in some way.
“When a task needs to be done, and done well, Lisa is the go-to person,” Barrett said. “This person understands that great institutions are built not just on written values but on those values coming to life through every action, every interaction, and every decision.”
Reifenrath, director of Advising Services, was one of four US Bank honorees who were recognized at the In-Service. Along with the award, honorees also receive a $250 stipend.
Most recently, Reifenrath has been a key player in implementing the formalized Guided Pathways and common first year structure. In addition to improving the student experience, Reifenrath was integral in the development and the continued improvement of usage of the system.
She helped begin a Spring New Student Orientation program and a Transfer & Returning Student Orientation last year, both of which improved the onboarding experience of these student groups.
Barrett said Reifenrath continues to seek out new opportunities to enhance student experiences, advocating for underserved students.
“She is deeply committed to ensuring every student has access to the resources and support they need to thrive,” Barrett said. “Despite her leadership position, she maintains a personal caseload of advisees, demonstrating her ability to balance big-picture vision with the attention-to-detail that is critical to student success.
“What truly sets Lisa apart is her advocacy for those she works with,” Barrett said. “The advising team knows that Lisa has their backs. She is always in the know, always listening, and always ready to support her team in any way possible. Her ability to juggle both leadership responsibilities and direct involvement with advising staff is nothing short of impressive.”
Photo ID: Lisa Reifenrath
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