News

Southeast Community College is marking Community College Month with unprecedented momentum, highlighted by record enrollment increases and major campus transformations taking place on its three campuses to position the College as the leader in the training and development of a skilled workforce in southeast Nebraska and beyond.

SCC has experienced record enrollment growth for three consecutive semesters, reflecting the institution's growing reputation for providing quality, affordable education leading to meaningful careers. This allows the College to build strong relationships with regional employers, creating a vital pipeline of skilled talent to meet workforce demands. Through industry advisory committees, customized training programs and apprenticeship opportunities, SCC ensures its curriculum remains aligned with real-world needs while providing students with direct pathways to meaningful employment.

"Over the last decade, we have worked on our ability to expand our capacity to produce a skilled workforce,” said Dr. Paul Illich, SCC president. “Our mission has been to empower and transform the diverse learners and communities of southeast Nebraska by preparing them for the workforce or continued academic pursuits. The consistent growth we're seeing at Southeast Community College demonstrates that students recognize the value of our programs."

The College reports an impressive 95% success rate among its graduates, who are either gainfully employed or continuing their education at four-year institutions. In addition, 85% of employed graduates work in Nebraska while 91% continuing their education are doing so in Nebraska.

Transformative Facilities
SCC’s strategic investments in campus infrastructure go beyond creating modern learning spaces. Each new and renovated space is purposefully designed to mirror industry environments, equipped with the same advanced technology and equipment SCC students will see in the workplace.

The state-of-the-art Sandhills Global Technology Center opened in January and showcases cutting-edge technology to prepare students for careers in rapidly evolving technical fields. The $37 million project was a collaboration between SCC, Sandhills Global and the city of Lincoln. It was developed with input from industry partners, faculty insights and student needs.  The center represents SCC's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological education.

Construction is underway on the Welding Technology Center which will become the largest welding training facility in the nation. The 80,000 square-foot facility is scheduled to open in August 2025 and will directly address critical workforce needs in manufacturing, construction and fabrication industries across the region and country.

"The demand for skilled welders continues to outpace supply," Illich said. "This new facility will allow us to train more students in advanced welding techniques using the latest equipment and methodologies, positioning them for immediate success in high-demand careers."

In addition to these new facilities, SCC is preserving its heritage while modernizing its infrastructure through the renovation of Nebraska Hall on the Milford campus. As the only original building remaining on that campus, Nebraska Hall will be transformed into a comprehensive student support services center, centralizing resources to enhance the student experience.

Pioneering Educational Initiatives
SCC is proud to partner with the Nebraska Department of Corrections to provide education in career pathways for incarcerated individuals in the nation's first accredited Prison Education Program by the Higher Learning Commission. The sixth program in the nation, this  groundbreaking program demonstrates SCC's commitment to serving all members of the community and has become a model for correctional education nationwide.

The college has also expanded its Global Education opportunities, giving students international experience and cross-cultural competencies that are increasingly valuable in today's global workforce. These are typically short-term study tours ranging from program specific tours to general cultural experiences.

Creating a Residential College Experience
Recognizing that student life extends beyond the classroom, SCC has transformed its campuses with the addition of residence halls across all three of its main locations. These modern living facilities have helped make SCC a destination college, attracting students from across the state, region and beyond.

"By offering on-campus housing, we're providing students with a more comprehensive college experience," said Illich. "Our residence halls foster community, promote academic success through convenient access to campus resources and help students develop the independence and life skills that employers value."

SCC was established on July 1, 1973 when Nebraska implemented a statewide community college system. Serving a 15-county region, SCC operates campuses in Beatrice, Lincoln and Milford which serve as destinations for students seeking advanced skills for students seeking advanced skills and technical instruction as well as transfer options to four-year colleges or universities. In addition, SCC provides lifelong learning courses, professional development, GED/ESL classes and dual credit opportunities for high school students.

Jennifer Snyder
Communications Specialist
402-323-3393
jsnyder@southeast.edu