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The Nebraska Community College Association honored four individuals from Southeast Community College at its Annual Awards Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 2, in Lincoln. Arlyn Urhmracher, SCC Board of Governor chair, won the prestigious NCCA Governors Award. In addition, Dr. Bev Cummins, Trevor Nebesniak, and Rob Ernesti were named SCC’s administrator, faculty member and alumni of the year.

“Each person honored at the NCCA Awards Ceremony played a significant role in SCC’s transformation over the past decade,” said Dr. Paul Illich, SCC president. “This is one of my favorite times of the year as we honor and recognize those who are making a difference at the College.”

Uhrmacher was elected to the Board in 2020 and has been providing steady and effective leadership as chair, vice chair, and secretary since 2022. Under his leadership, SCC initiated board self-evaluations and strategic retreats—innovative governance practices now adopted by other regional community colleges. A retired educator, Uhrmacher served in leadership roles with the Lincoln Education Association, Nebraska State Education Association and Greater Lincoln Workforce Development Board. He currently serves on The Career Academy Board and the 6 regions, One Nebraska Infrastructure Committee.

“Arlyn has been instrumental I advancing innovative governance practices at SCC and throughout the region,” said Illich. “Beyond his board service, he has been a tireless advocate for community college funding reform, testifying at the legislature and helping secure the successful transition to the Community College Future Fund. I can’t think of anyone ore deserving of the NCCA Governors Award.”

The Administrator Award went to Cummins, vice president of campus operations and development. She leads facilities, safety and security, campus operations, and capital planning. Her work focuses on creating safe, modern, student-centered environments across SCC's campuses. Cummins' leadership spans over a decade in senior roles, including Lincoln Campus Director and vice president positions in Student Affairs and Program Development. She guided the campus response to COVID-19 and facilitated new programs including Data Science, Dental Hygiene, and Utility Lineworker. Major projects under her leadership include the Welding Technology Center, Sandhills Global Technology Center, Lincoln's first residence hall, and Health Sciences. An SCC alumna, Cummins began in the Radiography program and earned degrees from Bellevue University and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

“Bev has shaped every aspect of our Lincoln Campus over the past decade,” Illich said. “She has guided us through creating new academic programs, major construction projects, and through the Covid-19 pandemic. She’s a transformative leader whose vision has positioned SCC for the future.”

Nebesniak was the Faculty Award Recipient where he serves as program chair for Powersports Technology. A 1992 graduate, he returned to his alma mater in 2012 after a 20-year industry career and is known as the "most accommodating instructor" on campus. Under his SkillsUSA guidance, students have won state gold three consecutive years and two national gold medals. He has cultivated strong industry partnerships with Kawasaki, Yamaha, Polaris, and Frontier Harley Davidson, securing equipment donations and creating direct employment pathways for students. A member of the Killigans, their version of The Cornhusker can be heard at Husker football and volleyball games.

Ernesti graduated in 1984 with a manufacturing engineering degree and was named the Distinguished Alumnus. He co-founded Metalworks Inc. in 1997 with Doug Swanson. The small steel manufacturing company has grown into a thriving business with over 150 employees and more than $35 million in annual sales. Ernesti built a workplace culture prioritizing respect and employee voice, proving that caring for people drives both morale and profitability. He credits his SCC education with giving him the confidence and skills to design and manufacture products. He stepped away as president in 2023 to mentor the next generation of leaders.

The NCCA is comprised of five member schools: Central, Mid-Plains, Northeast, Southeast, and Western Nebraska. Each year the NCCA holds its annual meeting at one of the member schools and awards Faculty, Governor, Administrator, and Friend of the year awards, along with a Distinguished Alumni Award.

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