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Northeast Creates New Educational Partnership with Clarkson College

01 July 2025

NORFOLK, Neb. – Northeast Community College Health Science students will have another choice where they may obtain their bachelor's or post-secondary degrees with an easy transition after completing their Northeast studies.

On Friday (June 27), Clarkson College and Northeast officials signed an articulation agreement, bringing Northeast in as the latest partner in the Omaha college’s nursing program.

“This is a great day for both colleges as it helps to remove barriers and make the transition easier for our Health Science students seeking to extend their education beyond our associate degrees and diplomas,” said Dr. Jeff Hoffman, dean of Northeast’s Health & Public Services Division.

Nebel-signs-NECC

Photo caption: Dr. Andreia Nebel (second from right), president of Clarkson College, signs an articulation agreement between Clarkson College and Northeast Community College on Friday in Norfolk. Also shown (from left) are Dr. Jeff Hoffman, Northeast dean of the Health & Public Services Division; Dr. Charlene Widener, Northeast vice president, Educational Services; Dr. Leah Barrett, president of Northeast; Nebel; and Dr. Layna Himmelberg, Clarkson College vice president of Academic Affairs. (photo courtesy of Northeast Community College)

“We are thrilled to have this agreement and the opportunities it presents to our students,” said Dr. Charlene Widener, Northeast vice president of Educational Services. “Obtaining a four-year degree is the right pathway for a significant number of our graduates, and having an outstanding institution like Clarkson College on board opens new doors.”

One of the benefits of the agreement is that it addresses a major concern with postsecondary education—costs.

“It is imperative that educators work together to decrease the cost of healthcare professional education by removing barriers to assist students directly into their next level of education,” stated Dr. Andreia Nebel, Clarkson College president. “This agreement puts us one step closer to helping solve the healthcare workforce shortage facing our communities. We are proud to partner with Northeast Community College and look forward to working together to help students achieve their goals for many years to come.”

The articulation involves several programs beyond Nursing. Others are Physical Therapists Assistant, Health Information Management Systems, Psychology, Community Health and Pre-Radiological Technician programs. Nebel noted that Northeast Community College and Clarkson College were the first two colleges in Nebraska to offer Physical Therapist Assistant programs.

Graduates and current students of Northeast who have completed or are in the process of completing an associate degree and meet certain standards will be automatically accepted into Clarkson College’s online programs and will receive preference through additional points in their ranking process toward their acceptance into the on-campus baccalaureate programs.

Signing the agreement were Nebel, president of Clarkson College, and Dr. Leah Barrett, president of Northeast Community College.

Others attending the ceremony included Clarkson College’s Dr. Carla Dirkschneider, vice president of Enrollment and Retention; and Dr. Layna Himmelberg, vice president of Academic Affairs. Clarkson College began the first school of nursing in Nebraska in 1888. Among other private colleges that have articulation agreements with Northeast are Doane College, Bellevue University, Concordia College, College of Saint Mary, Midland Lutheran College, Hastings College and York College.

Widener said Northeast is fortunate to have so many colleges willing to work together to try and come up with the best path forward for students. “We’re pleased because our students are able to receive financial, academic and professional support,” Widener said. “All these educational institutions play a vital role in helping Nebraskans on their way to their educational goals.”

About Northeast Community College

Northeast Community College is a comprehensive community college that provides vocational/technical, liberal arts, college transfer, and continuing education. It is the only community college in Nebraska with one-and two-year vocational, liberal arts, and adult education programs all on one main campus. The College also has three extended campuses and two regional offices to serve the needs of off-campus students in the 20-county service area. Northeast is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award two-year Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, and Associate in Nursing degrees, one-year diplomas, and certificates.