Northeast Community College Names New President

NORFOLK - Northeast Community College has a new president.

College officials announced Wednesday that Doctor Leah Barrett will serve as the ninth president in the institution's history.

Barrett was picked from a field of 63 candidates that was trimmed to eight semifinalists and then three finalists during the hiring process. According to a news release, she was selected unanimously.

She currently serves as vice president for student affairs at the Northern Wyoming Community College District. She has worked in higher education since 1992.

Barrett says she was very impressed on what she saw on her trips to Norfolk during the hiring process.

"There is so much pride in this institution," Barrett said. "You see it in the hallways, you see it in the classrooms, you see it with the faculty photographs on the wall. The gear that people wear in this community, there is pride in Northeast Community College. That's the type of institution that I want to lead."

Barrett will officially take over in January. She replaces Dr. Michael Chipps who retired in May. Barrett is the first female president in Northeast's history.

Former Northeast administrators and current co-interim presidents Mary Honke and Steve Schram will continue serving in their role until Barrett assumes the role.