Ne’Keisha Stepney, Assistant Provost of Workforce Development
Waubonsee Community College is pleased to announce the appointment of Ne’Keisha Stepney as the new Assistant Provost of Workforce Development. Since joining the college in 2009, Stepney has served in various leadership roles.
“This appointment is deeply meaningful to me; I am passionate about Career and Technical Education (CTE) and workforce development, leading authentically, and I am committed to advocating for programs and opportunities that support student success,” Stepney said.
In her new role, Stepney will oversee a wide range of programs, including Adult Education, career services, the Small Business Development Center, and customized training for local businesses and governmental entities. She will also manage work-based learning initiatives, apprenticeships, and noncredit professional and career training programs tailored to meet regional workforce needs.
Stepney’s appointment follows her recent recognition as the 2024 Dr. Christine J. Sobek Outstanding Administrator Award recipient, an honor that highlights exceptional leadership, strategic decision-making, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to the college's mission and vision.
"When I think about being an outstanding administrator, I am reminded that leadership is not about titles or accolades, but about the impact we have on those we serve,” Stepney said. “It involves listening to colleagues, understanding student needs, prioritizing collective success over individual gain, and working diligently to create an environment where everyone can thrive.”
Throughout her tenure, Stepney has been instrumental in advocating for CTE at Waubonsee. She is particularly proud of her efforts that contributed to bringing the new Technical Education Center (TEC) to fruition. "I continuously advocated for this project, seizing every opportunity to keep it a top-of-mind priority. It has been a long journey since the need for modernized facilities was first proposed, and I am proud to have contributed to making it a reality," she shared.
Set to open in the fall of 2025 at the Sugar Grove Campus, the new TEC will be a 100,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility. It will serve as a central hub for several of the college’s CTE programs and drive economic growth and sustainability for the region.
Stepney’s connection to CTE is deeply personal; she carries a strong work ethic inherited from generations of skilled trades professionals within her family. The familiar scents of metal shards in Waubonsee’s machine tool lab evoke memories of her mother's long workdays as a CNC operator, reinforcing her dedication to these educational programs. "I deeply value these programs, I understand their significance in our daily lives, and I honor the dignity of this invaluable work," she reflects, emphasizing her genuine connection to the trades that have shaped her family’s history and influenced her professional journey.
“I am excited about what the future holds.” Stepney expressed. “My goal is to continue leading with purpose, engaging in meaningful work that transforms lives and further advances the college's mission.”
