NCMC’S RENEE DEYOUNG RECEIVES STATEWIDE OUTSTANDING STAFF AWARD

    PETOSKEY, Mich. — Renee DeYoung, who retired in June 2025 after 23 years of service to North Central Michigan College (NCMC), has been named the 2025 recipient of the Michigan Community College Association’s (MCCA) Outstanding Staff Award.

The award was presented July 31 during the MCCA Summer Conference on Mackinac Island, an annual gathering that brings together leaders from Michigan’s 31 community and tribal colleges to share best practices, discuss statewide initiatives, and recognize excellence in advancing the community college mission. Chelsea Platte, vice president for advancement and executive director of the NCMC Foundation, presented the award to DeYoung. The conference also included recognition for NCMC Trustee and Board Secretary Melissa Keiswetter, who received a service award honoring her 10 years on the MCCA Board of Directors.

DeYoung’s award recognizes professional achievement, commitment to student success, and long-standing service to the community college mission. She joined NCMC in 2002 after earning her associate degree in accounting from the college, following more than two decades in private industry. At North Central, she served as administrative assistant to the dean of instruction, director of enrollment services and registrar, and, beginning in 2015, vice president of student affairs.

In her role as vice president, DeYoung oversaw admissions, advising, financial aid, student outreach and engagement, veterans services, counseling, housing, athletics, career services, student conduct, and records. Her leadership emphasized whole-student development, ensuring that students received academic, social, and personal support.

She is a past president and current board member of the Michigan Community College Student Services Association (MCCSSA), contributing to statewide collaboration and the advancement of student services. She holds additional degrees from Goshen College and Lawrence Technological University.

“Renee’s thoughtful leadership and student-first approach have strengthened student services and collaboration statewide,” MCCA President Brandy Johnson said. “She represents the kind of dedicated, behind-the-scenes leadership that makes community colleges such vital engines of student success.”

In addition to DeYoung and Keiswetter, other honorees included Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who received the MCCA Special Recognition Award.

About North Central Michigan College:

North Central Michigan College is an open-door community college based in Petoskey with additional offerings in Cheboygan, Gaylord, and online. North Central’s mission is to provide exceptional, accessible, relevant higher education to the benefit of all. An Achieving the Dream Leader College with a designation of Veteran Friendly Gold by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, North Central is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. Learn more at www.ncmich.edu.

 
Renee DeYoung, retired North Central Michigan College vice president of student affairs, receives the 2025 Michigan Community College Association Outstanding Staff Award during the MCCA Summer Conference on Mackinac Island. Pictured from left: Sherry Wyman, MCCA board chair; Chelsea Platte, vice president for advancement and executive director of the NCMC Foundation; DeYoung; and Brandy Johnson, MCCA president.