Ralph Kleinsmith (right) is sworn in to the MCC Board of Governors Wednesday night. (Photo Courtesy Metropolitan Community College)
A Lozier employee’s lifelong dedication to education and developing employees received a major recognition and community role Wednesday evening.
Metropolitan Community College’s Board of Governors selected Community Outreach & Engagement Manager Ralph Kleinsmith to fill the vacant District 3 seat in its latest meeting. Kleinsmith was one of twelve people in the Omaha area who applied for the open role and among the four interviewed in the meeting.
During his interview with the board, Kleinsmith credited his work at Lozier as a proud collaboration, providing job training for employees, educational opportunities through the Sponsorship for the Trades program while also raising the bar for skilled trade education for everyone involved.
“I’ve seen firsthand the positive, life-changing impact this institution has had on our students and our industry workers,” Kleinsmith said. During his interview, Kleinsmith spoke about his collegate and professional background, including his leadership at Lozier and his prior work in education, developing students through academics and athletics at Creighton University, Texas Tech University and Wichita State University. Earlier this year, Kleinsmith was recognized by MCC for his exemplary work in coordinating and collaborating with the school, receiving the inaugural MCC Champion Award
In the board’s vote, six of the nine members selected Kleinsmith from the four finalists. He was sworn in and formally joined the board for the duration of the meeting. Officially an elected position, Kleinsmith will fulfill the term through January 2029.
District 3 covers Washington County and parts of Douglas County, including much of west Omaha.