College Information

HISTORY

Central Community College (CCC) is a locally governed comprehensive community college, deriving a portion of its support from property taxes levied in the 25-county service area. This area encompasses 14,000 square miles and has a population of approximately 305,000.

Originally known as Area Vocational School #1 (later known as Central Nebraska Technical College), CCC opened in 1966 at the former Hastings naval ammunition depot as Nebraska’s first multi-county area vocational-technical college, serving a 17-county area. The Kearney practical nursing program began in 1958 and was sponsored by Kearney Public Schools. It became part of Central Nebraska Technical College in 1970. Platte Junior College in Columbus opened in 1969 as Nebraska’s first county-supported community college, taking its name from Platte County.

In 1971 the state legislature enacted a law that formed six community college areas in Nebraska and required that all counties in the state become part of one of the areas. As a result of this legislation, Central Nebraska Technical College and Platte Junior College merged in 1973 to form the Central Technical Community College Area, currently named Central Community College. An additional eight counties petitioned to join the area, bringing the total to 25.

The central administration for the college was located in Grand Island in 1974 and the Grand Island Campus was established in 1976.

The practical nursing education program in Kearney eventually grew into what is now the Kearney Center. In 2017, the Kearney Center moved to a 63,000-square-foot building across the street from Kearney High School on 30th Avenue.

The Lexington Center was established in 1977 to extend educational services to a four-county area.

The Holdrege Center opened in 1995 to enhance educational services provided by CCC in the southwest quadrant of its service area.

The Ord Center was established as a learning center in 2009.

In addition to these sites, the college provides college credit and non-credit courses in more than 90 communities within its service area. Degrees, diplomas and certificates are available online.

In summary, Central Community College currently serves 25 counties in central Nebraska and includes the following facilities: 

COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION

The college’s central administration is located at the same site as the Grand Island Campus. It includes the offices of the college president, vice president of innovation and instruction, vice president of administrative services, and Senior Director of human resources. The following college-wide services are also located at the central administration offices: accounting; accounts payable; business services; college registrar; facilities and construction management; human resources; information technology services; institutional research; payroll; public relations and marketing; purchasing; and sustainability. For more information, call 308-398-4222 or 877-CCC-0780.

COLLEGE FOUNDATION

The Central Community College Foundation was established in 1989 as a separate, nonprofit corporation to raise funds and other forms of support for CCC. The foundation office is located at 201 Foundation Place, Suite 200, Hastings, NE 68901. For more information, call 402-460-2153.

COLUMBUS CAMPUS

The Columbus Campus is located at 4500 63rd Street, four miles northwest of Columbus and offers associate of applied science degrees, diplomas and certificates in various career and technical education programs and associate of arts and associate of science degrees through the academic transfer program. For more information, call 402-564-7132 or 1-877-CCC-0780. Columbus Campus Map  

GRAND ISLAND CAMPUS

The Grand Island Campus is located at 3134 West Highway 34 just east of the intersection of Highway 281 and offers associate of applied science degrees, diplomas and certificates in various career and technical education programs, an associate degree in nursing, and associate of arts and associate of science degrees through the academic transfer program. For more information, call 308-398-4222 or 1-877-CCC-0780. Grand Island Campus Map  

HASTINGS CAMPUS

The Hastings Campus is located at 550 South Technical Blvd., three miles east of Hastings on Highway 6, and offers associate of applied science degrees, diplomas and certificates in various career and technical education programs, and associate of arts and associate of science degrees through the academic transfer program. For more information, call 402-463-9811 or 1-877-CCC-0780. Hastings Campus Map  

HOLDREGE CENTER

The Holdrege Center is located at 1308 Second Street in the Ag Building at the Phelps County fairgrounds in Holdrege, and provides a variety of educational courses and services in the surrounding area. For more information, call 308-995-8133 or 1-877-CCC-0780.

KEARNEY CENTER

The Kearney Center is located at 1215 30th Avenue, in Kearney. The center offers associate of arts, associate of science, associate of applied science in business administration and criminal justice and an associate degree of nursing program. For more information, call 308-338-4000 or 1-877-CCC-0780.

LEXINGTON CENTER

The Lexington Center is located at 1501 Plum Creek Parkway, in Lexington and provides a variety of educational courses and services in the surrounding area. For more information, call 308-324-8480 or 1-877-CCC-0780.

ORD CENTER

The Ord Center is located at 1514 K Street, in Ord and provides a variety of educational opportunities in Valley, Greeley and Sherman counties. For more information, call 308-728-3299 or 1-877-CCC-0780

ACCREDITATION

Central Community College (CCC) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Associate Degree in Nursing and Practical Nursing Programs are approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing. In addition, the Associate Degree Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The Automotive Technology Program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation at the level of Automotive Service Technology.

The Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Programs are accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.

The Health Information Management program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

The Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB), 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, 727-210-2350, www.caahep.org.

The Medical Laboratory Technician program is accredited by the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

The Paramedicine Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, 727-210-2350, www.caahep.org. on the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP), 8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312, Rowlaett, TX 75088, 214-703-8445, www.coaemsp.org.

The Pharmacy Technician program is accredited by the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ASHP)/Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

CCC programs have been approved for the training of veterans and other eligible persons under the provisions of Title 38, U.S. Code.

MISSION

Central Community College (CCC) maximizes student and community success.

Instructional and Service Priorities

1. Applied technology and occupational education.
2. Transfer education including general academic transfer programs.
3. Public service, adult continuing education, economic and community development, foundations education, customized workforce training, and personal development.
4. Applied research to enhance instructional programs, student achievement, institutional effectiveness, public service activities, and professional development.

Vision

Read about our vision here:

Values

Central Community College values students, community, innovation and student success. More information about our values can be found here.

CCC Outcomes Include Creating:

• Completers - Skilled, knowledgeable and independent lifelong learners who possess the work ethic and communication skills necessary for successfully completing their college educational goals.
• Critical thinkers - Innovative problem solvers who are adaptable, inquisitive and prepared for their future in an interconnected global society.
• Contributors - Accountable, motivated and collaborative leaders who make a positive difference in the professions and communities.

CCC 2020-2025 Impactful Initiatives

Read about how we are Open For Business, our goals for a Success Coaching Program and the start of Work based Learning/Apprenticeships here.

Geographic Focus

Twenty-five counties in central/south central Nebraska.

Governance

Central Community College is governed by an 11-member Board of Governors. Two members are elected from each of five election districts. One member is elected at-large. Members are elected to four-year terms with no limit on the number of terms.

Current members, their hometowns, occupations, and the years their terms expire are:

District 1

Diane Keller, Harvard, hospital administrator, 2026
Jason Buss, Central City, human resources manager, 2024

District 2

Rita Skiles, Huntley, education, 2026
Linda Heiden, Bertrand, insurance & farm manager, 2024

District 3

Dr. Roger Davis, Kearney, university history professor, 2026
Sandra Borden, Gibbon, family nurse practitioner, 2024

District 4

Dan Quick, Grand Island, retired from Grand Island Utilities, 2026
Tom Pirnie, Grand Island, trucking company owner, 2024

District 5

Linda Aerni, Columbus, business owner and chief executive officer, 2026
John A. Novotny, Columbus, business manager, 2024

At-Large

Sam Cowan, Stromsburg, retired engineer and community college instructor, 2024

Strategic Processes

Central Community College students, Board of Governors members, faculty, administrators, and staff will collaborate in achieving the college’s mission through the following strategic processes:

1. Informing potential students of learning opportunities by:
   1. Analyzing public and business educational and training needs and designing appropriate curriculum and delivery strategies.
   2. Creating lifelong learning maps resulting in certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees that lead into occupational and/or professional careers.
   3. Promoting educational programs and class schedules to potential learners.
   4. Partnering with businesses, institutions, and agencies to create alternative learning experiences.
2. Providing access to learning experiences through:
   1. Affordable pricing.
   2. Technology-supported group/class activities, individualized learning processes, and distance delivery.
   3. Classes scheduled for students at convenient times in environmentally safe, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing facilities.
3. Delivering, supporting, and validating teaching and learning in educational programs by:
   1. Encouraging higher orders of thinking and learning, advocating the free exchange of ideas, promoting appreciation for diversity, and fostering a global perspective.
   2. Providing comprehensive learning and student support services.
   3. Utilizing team concepts in student-centered learning activities.
   4. Providing technologies that enhance student learning.
   5. Assessing student learning and strategically adjusting curriculum, teaching, and learning support resources.
   6. Utilizing quality improvement concepts to assess and modify educational programs and services.
4. Documenting learner attainment by:
   1. Validating learner achievement of institutional graduation requirements.
   2. Awarding comprehensive associate degrees and occupationally focused diplomas and certificates to students who successfully complete required programs of study.
   3. Providing transcripts of record for those who seek documentation of learning achievement.
5. Leading in the accomplishment of the college’s mission by:
   1. Appropriately involving students, the Board of Governors, faculty, staff, and administrators in designing and utilizing effective learning processes and support structures.
   2. Evaluating, planning, and allocating the utilization of resources to improve the quality of learning and to respond to future challenges and opportunities.
   3. Providing evidence of student learning and teaching effectiveness.
   4. Fostering and supporting the value of inquiry, creativity, social responsibility, and lifelong learning among the students, Board of Governors, faculty, staff, and administrators.
   5. Maintaining high standards of integrity and professional conduct.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Central Community College (CCC) is proud to be an environmental sustainability leader. As a Cum Laude Leader since 2011 and signatory of the Climate Commitment as part of the Climate Leadership Network, and as a signatory of the Sustainability Education & Economic Development (SEED) Initiative, CCC has made a commitment to educate, implement and model the practices needed for a sustainable future. For our communities and globally, we believe environmental sustainability is important and necessary for healthy communities, people and economic sustainability. 

Some of the innovative sustainability education and outreach activities at Central Community College include non-credit e-badge in Leadership in Environmental Stewardship awarded in courses and co-curricular experiences, a student intern program, hosting the annual Groundwater Festival, Earth Day activities, America Recycles Day, a monthly Sustainability Leadership Presentation Series (SLPS) in partnership with many other Nebraska higher education institutions and non-profit organizations, a monthly 3C Conversation in which students discuss environmental sustainability issues, a faculty committee on Environmental Sustainability Across the Curriculum (ESATC), bike share program, beekeeping, and various community sustainability outreach events in the CCC service area.

CCC’s operational and structural procedures and policies reflect environmental sustainability leadership. A 1.7 megawatt wind turbine at the CCC-Hastings campus became fully operational beginning in January 2017 and the campus also has a 17 kilowatt solar array. All campuses implement sustainable landscape practices through integrated pollinator and native gardens. The Kearney center opened in 2017 and utilizes high energy efficiency standards and attracts sustainability leaders to the community. Other major on-going initiatives include increasing the hybrid vehicle fleet and piloting a composting program. For more information about the CCC environmental sustainability leadership commitment please visit www.cccneb.edu/greentoday.

NON-DISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Central Community College (CCC) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or other factors prohibited by law, in matters of employment, admissions, financial aid, or other activities and opportunities as set forth in compliance with federal and state statutes and regulations.

Any person having inquiries concerning Central Community College compliance with Title II, Title IV, Title VI, Title IX, the Age Discrimination Act, and/or Section 504 should contact: Title IX Coordinator, 3134 W Highway 34, PO Box 4903, Grand Island NE 68802-4903, 402-562-1284, titleixcoordinator@cccneb.edu.

Persons seeking further information concerning career and technical education offerings at Central Community College and any specific pre-requisite criteria for the various programs of study should contact: Senior Director of College Communications, 3134 W Highway 34, PO Box 4903, Grand Island NE 68802-4903, 308-398-7355, collegecommunications@cccneb.edu.

To obtain this information in a language other than English or in an alternative format email collegecommunications@cccneb.edu.

Consumer Information

Please visit www.cccneb.edu/consumerinfo to review our consumer information.

Student Policies and Procedures

Current student policies and procedures can be found at www.cccneb.edu/StudentPoliciesandProcedures. Printed copies are available on CCC’s campuses and centers or from the CCC Dean of Student Success and Enrollment Management’s office.

Disclaimer

This publication should not be considered a contract between Central Community College (CCC) and any student. CCC reserves the right to make changes in costs, admission, regulations and curriculum without notice or obligation.

Drug and Alcohol Awareness

Central Community College (CCC) supports a program of substance abuse awareness through a campus contact referral person, cooperation with local services and chemical dependency agencies and information provided in the Annual Security Report which is located online www.cccneb.edu/AnnualSecurityReport. Information provided includes the effects of substance abuse, laws and penalties regarding use of illicit drugs, college policies concerning substance abuse by students, and a list of agencies that provide counseling and other rehabilitative services.

Communicable Illness

CCC’s communicable illness procedure can be found on our public policies and procedures site here.

Open Flames on College Property Procedure

Use of open flames (such as candles) on college property is only permitted when directly associated with student instruction. Uses in other areas such as workstations, meeting rooms, break areas, etc. is prohibited. A request for exception to the procedure at social or other similar events should be sent to the physical plant supervisor and/or campus president. If permission is granted, a CCC employee must be present the entire time the candles/flames remain lit. All open flames are to be extinguished immediately following the activity and under no circumstance should an open flame be left unattended.

Sexual Harassment

College policy defines and prohibits sexual harassment. Additional information is included in the college student handbook.

Tobacco Free Policy

Central Community College (CCC) is committed to a healthy environment for its employees, students and visitors. Consequently, CCC prohibits the use of all e-cigarettes and tobacco products or carrying of any lit or unlit smoking instrument on College owned or leased property, including residence halls and vehicles. More information on the CCC Smoke Tobacco Free Policy is available online www.cccneb.edu/ccc-smokefree.

Student Concerns and Complaints

Our student concerns and complaint policy is available within the college catalog’s Policies and Procedures for Students  section.

Student Safety and Health

The college provides an educational environment as free as possible from recognized hazards. Students and employees are expected to comply with all safety and health requirements whether established by the college or by federal, state, or local law.

Each campus has established a safety committee with the mission to create and preserve a safe and healthy environment for employees, students and visitors, on that campus. In addition, CCC has a College Safety Committee that helps guide the implementation of the best practices for student and employee health and safety consistently across all locations.

If a student, guest or visitor becomes ill, CCC reserves the right to call a physician or ambulance, if, in the judgment of a college official, the situation merits such action. Students are responsible for any costs related to medical or ambulance service.

Student/Visitor Medical Procedure

This student/visitor medical procedure addresses how injury and illness emergencies should be handled. It should be followed by all college employees. Because of the liability concerns, the college highly encourages employees to call 911 in case of medical emergencies. Assess the situation. If there is any doubt about the severity of the injury or illness, call 911 immediately, regardless of the expressed wishes of the student/visitor, and give the following information:

1.  The caller’s name and company (CCC)
2.  The telephone number that the call is made from
3.  The complete address, including town, address building, and room number where the incident is occurring
4. The nature of the problem and condition of the patient
5.  Designate someone to meet the rescue squad after 911 has been called.

Do not hang up until directed as the dispatcher may have instructions or need more information.

If the injury or illness is not severe, contact a fellow employee, supervisor or administrator and allow them to assess the situations. If there is any doubt about the severity of the injury or illness, call 911, regardless of the expressed wishes of the student/visitor. Employees are urged not to transport students/visitors. If it is determined an ambulance is NOT necessary, offer the following services:

1. Comfort the student/visitor by giving them aid or assistance.
2. Offer them the use of a phone. Suggest they contact someone who can transport them for medical attention.
3. Continue to comfort them until the friend or family member arrives or until the injured person is able to go on their own.
4. Contact the immediate supervisor, if he/she is available on campus, to arrange for transportation when none is obtained by the injured person.

Emergency Alert System

CCC Alerts is Central Community College’s (CCC) emergency notification system for students, staff and faculty at the Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings campuses and Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington and Ord centers.

The system will provide emergency direction and notification upon the college’s confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation, and campus or center closings. The system is capable of delivering messages to college email accounts, personal email accounts and sending text and voice messages to cell and home phones. For more information, including directions on how to customize your CCC Alerts, please reference http://www.cccneb.edu/cccalerts.

Waiver of Liability

Central Community College is not liable for damage, theft or loss of personal property. Students are advised to check their family insurance for coverage.

Definitions Used at CCC

College Policy - A college policy is approved by the College Cabinet, the College President, and the Board of Governors.  Issues of college policy should be limited to those in which the board is operating within the confines of their authority as defined by law.  The College President brings recommended policy to the Board for approval.

College Procedure - A college procedure is approved by the College Cabinet.  Issues of college procedure should be directly related to college policy as they serve as interpretations and provide guidance.  Vice Presidents bring recommended procedures to the Cabinet for approval.

College Guidelines - A college guideline is approved by the Vice President of a division.  Issues of college guidelines should be directly related to administrative authority granted by college policies and procedures.

Academic guidelines are approved by the Educational Services Committee and taken to Cabinet as necessary.  The Chief Academic Officer brings recommended academic guidelines for approval.

Guidelines not related to academics are approved by the respective Vice President and taken to Cabinet as necessary.

College Process - A college process is an informal method of conducting college business.  Processes are not typically found in writing and are not typically approved by any college person or governing body.