Neligh Man Named To Northeast Board Of Governors

​A Neligh man has been named the newest member of the Northeast Community College Board of Governors. The board voted unanimously at its monthly meeting Thursday to appoint Delbert Ames as the new District I representative. 

Ames, a business consultant and a former senior manager at Vishay Intertechnology, succeeds Don Oelsligle, Tilden, who announced his intention in September to resign his District I seat. The district consists of Antelope, Garfield, Pierce, Wayne and Wheeler counties in their entirety; portions of Boone, Cedar and Madison counties.

Ames said he applied for the board position because it provides an opportunity to help people in the same way others have assisted him.

“I have always had a strong desire to give back to those who have helped me along my journey of life and helped me to become the best version of myself. I am very interested in seeing the College continue to prepare our leaders of tomorrow.”

Ames said he feels his strong manufacturing background, coupled with his global experiences, will aid him in understanding the needs of Northeast’s 20-county service region, including business and industry. 

Gene Willers, Pilger, chairperson of the board’s selection committee, said he and his colleagues are pleased to see Ames join the board.

“Don Oelsligle provided many years of outstanding service to the board and we commend him for his dedication to Northeast. The selection committee is delighted that Mr. Ames applied for the District I seat. His experience will be invaluable to each of our board meetings.”

Dr. Michael Chipps, Northeast president, feels Ames will assist in bringing a collective vision to the board.

“Del Ames is an excellent addition to our extremely dedicated board. He is coming on at an exciting time as we continue to implement our Vision 2020 strategic plan. His business experience will be a resource on behalf of the College in the years ahead.”

Ames earned an Associate Arts degree from Northeast and has also a Bachelor of Arts in Business Education from Wayne State College and a Master of Arts in Human Relations and Public Administration from Webster University.

This is not the first time Ames has been a member of an educational board. He has served on three area school boards including president of Pope John Central Catholic Board of Education in Elgin; vice president of the Neligh-Oakdale Board of Education; and vice president of the Archdiocese of Omaha Board of Education.

Ames said he will run for the seat when it comes up for election in 2018. He will be officially sworn in at the board’s December 14 meeting.