Higgins Appointed to Foundation Board
Tim Higgins, a 1980 Southeast Community College alumnus, retired Runza managing partner, and longtime Kearney civic leader, has been appointed to the SCC Educational Foundation Board of Directors.
Higgins brings more than four decades of business leadership, community advocacy, and institutional ties to the Foundation Board, which supports student scholarships, program enhancements, and capital initiatives across SCC’s 15-county service area.
Higgins earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from SCC’s Food Service/Hospitality program. He began his career with Runza as a part-time employee at age 19, quickly rising to store manager before relocating to Kearney in 1997 to open the city’s north location. He retired in 2022 after 40 years as a managing partner in the food service industry.
“I am proud of my degree from SCC,” Higgins said. “My education gave me the tools to handle any situation in the business world.”
In recognition of his career achievements and dedication to service, SCC named Higgins the Lincoln Campus Distinguished Alumnus in November 2025. Since retiring, he has expanded his focus on community leadership, building on a civic track record that includes 18 years on the Kearney Board of Education and serving as chairman of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce.
“There isn’t a park, school, business, or sports program in Kearney that hasn’t been touched by Tim’s energy and effort,” said Tori Stofferson, communications director for Kearney Public Schools, at the time of his alumni award. “His impact is woven into the fabric of our community. He is a true friend of Kearney and he represents the very best of what it means to be a Southeast Community College alumnus.”
Founded in 1975, the SCC Educational Foundation is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization that advances SCC’s mission through philanthropic support. By partnering with individuals, businesses, and grant funders, the Foundation funds student scholarships, programs, and capital needs to build a skilled workforce across SCC’s 15-county service area and the state of Nebraska.
Jennifer Snyder
Communications Specialist
402-323-3393
jsnyder@southeast.edu