News
League Excellence Awards Awarded
March 17, 2025
Joni Ransom
Seven Central Community College employees have received the 2024-25 League Excellence Award from The League for Innovation in the Community College. Medallions were presented at the 2025 Innovations Conference, March 9-12, in San Antonio, Texas.
The honorees were nominated by College President Dr. Matt Gotschall.
Janis DeHaven
Janis DeHaven, business technology instructor, has turned decades of industry experience into real-world examples in her classroom of how technology is used in business settings. She is an IC3 Authorized Educator, Microsoft Trainer and Educator certifications who has developed innovative and customized educational experiences for her students. She has encouraged both them and community members to attain Microsoft and QuickBooks certifications.
Paige Denman
Dr. Paige Denman, human services instructor, introduced the behavior technician certificate for students and professionals who work with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. She created pathways by developing an addictions diploma and restructuring the chemical dependency and mental health advocate certificates. Her work with the University of Nebraska-Kearney led to a social work pathway for students who want an advanced degree.
Dan Gompert
Dan Gompert, information technology and services instructor, has demonstrated a commitment to innovation through his 30 years of teaching. He holds a master’s degree in cybersecurity and is a 20-year Certified Cisco Instructor who was an early adopter of the Cisco Networking Academy. A Cyber Skills for All grant from Microsoft and the American Association for Community Colleges allowed him to create and lead a high school cybersecurity camp.
Andrea Hays
Andrea Hays, career and employment services director, previously served as residence life director at CCC-Columbus and as student activities director at CCC-Hastings. In her current position, she provides collegewide leadership support for student career services, including an online job board that serves thousands of employers, alumni and students. She also has been an advocate and CCC leader for the statewide InternNE.
Lucas Lumbra
Lucas Lumbra, esports head coach, has demonstrated remarkable innovation in building the program into a powerhouse within just two years and overcoming the unique challenge of coordinating talent across four CCC locations. As the college’s first esports coach, he has led his teams to NJCAA national titles in Call of Duty: Cold War Gunfight 2x2 and 4v4. His leadership also led to national runner-up finishes in four other categories.
Crystal Ramm
Dr. Crystal Ramm, community and workforce education regional director, has played an instrumental role in the Ord Center’s growth. Her efforts have supported the Big Give to Valley County, which has raised funds for community education, youth summer camps and entrepreneurship programs. She has established a pollinator garden that also becomes an outdoor classroom and has served on the Connecting Young Nebraskans Steering Committee.
Brett Wells
Brett Wells, Scott Pathway director, oversees this new, first-in-the-nation program funded by the Walter Scott Jr. Family Foundation. He has provided leadership to dozens of Scott Pathway scholars and has helped with innovative retention strategies. He sets expectations of timeliness and accountability and engages college personnel to participate in such events as a summer bridge program that emphasizes leadership skills.