Leaders reflect on BC3 president’s plans for retirement
After a 17-year tenure as president, Nick Neupauer on Tuesday, Jan. 9 announced his plan to retire from Butler County Community College.
Neupauer, 56, will retire at the year’s end on Dec. 31, he shared in an email to BC3 employees.
Further announcements regarding the search for a successor will be made by the college’s board of trustees.
“It has been the absolute honor of a lifetime,” Neupauer said, “because of the relationships, the impact on the communities we serve and being a part of a great team.”
During his tenure, the newly relocated BC3 at Armstrong in Ford City joined additional locations, and the Victor K. Phillips Nursing and Allied Health Building was established on the college’s main campus in Butler Township, Neupauer said.
Neupauer was appointed in 2007. The college opened BC3 at Lawrence Crossing in Lawrence County in 2008, BC3 at Brockway in Jefferson County in 2013 and BC3 at Armstrong in Manor Township, Armstrong County, in 2015. The college expanded BC3 at LindenPointe in Mercer County in 2011.
“He put students first,” said Ruth Purcell, former executive director of BC3’s Education Foundation. “Everything we did, our question was, ‘How is this going to benefit students?’”
Purcell recalled how the old library at BC3 was renovated in line with Neupauer's own observation that the building could be used for students to gather, interact and relax.
Along with other changes, a cafe was added, Purcell said.
“That’s got Nick written all over it,” she said.
Nancy Hunter Mycka, vice chairman of the BC3 Education Foundation, said she has been “shocked” by the wide variety of projects headed at BC3, commending Neupauer for his communication style and vision.
Purcell also said Neupauer led staff in opening the college to forums and events, such as the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center’s Discover Recovery symposium, where people from around the community could come together to learn.
“We’re always thinking of the students and the community,” Purcell said. “Nick led all of us on campus in regard to those values.”
Kim Geyer, Butler County commissioner and BC3 board member, said Neupauer’s “enthusiasm and high energy” are at the forefront when she thinks about his time in leadership at the community college.
“He just doesn’t skip a beat,” Geyer said.
Stan Kosciuszko, former president of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce and close friend of Neupauer’s, said that under Neupauer’s leadership, the college was involved in both business and community outreach programs, such as Leadership Butler County and Butler County Youth Leadership Program.
“One thing I always admired about him was that he promoted those who worked for him,” Kosciuszko said. “He was the quarterback, but he knew he had a team, and he trusted the team.”
In 2022, Neupauer was the first recipient of the Stan Kosciuszko Leadership Excellence Award.
Reflecting on Neupauer’s accomplishments as BC3 president, Kosciuszko noted his innovative leadership style. The construction of the school’s nursing and allied health building was just one of the examples of that innovation, he said.
“(Neupauer) imparted his personality and his beliefs onto the culture at BC3,” Kosciuszko said.
“Dr. Neupauer has been an excellent colleague and an even better friend,” Independence Health System CEO and BC3 board member Ken DeFurio said in a statement. “He demonstrates his commitment to our community, his institution, and most importantly, the students of Butler County Community College every day. He is a classic example of leadership by example. Nick is a listener, a collaborator, and he cares … traits that all of us want in our leaders.”
In a statement, former Butler Eagle publisher Ron Vodenichar described Neupauer as “a tremendous asset and leader for BC3 and Butler County.”
“His progressive thinking, his willingness and ability to listen to others at all levels set him apart,” Vodenichar said. “He had the trust and admiration of the students, the faculty and the business community. His legacy will be the growth of the campus without creating debt for the community. A tremendous job indeed. Selfishly, he was a great friend, confidant and supporter of mine and of the journalism field. He always made certain the Eagle was able to provide in-depth and correct information to our readers. An excellent leader for certain.”
Looking into the future at BC3’s search for a new president, community leaders shared that Neupauer would serve as a strong example for a successor.
“Dr. Neupauer isn’t finished yet at BC3,” DeFurio stated. “Among the many goals that he has remaining is to lead the Board of Trustees to select an excellent replacement. Whoever that is, he or she will be different than Nick, but given the culture and precedent for excellence that Nick has set, I am very confident that the next president will be outstanding.”
Bruce Mazzoni, Cranberry Township supervisor and former BC3 board member, echoed these sentiments.
“For me, I would say Nick was the right man for the right time to help turn a struggling college into a college ranked as the No. 1 community college in Pennsylvania nine times,” Mazzoni said.
“Obviously, it’s hard to replace a great leader,” he said. “That’s going to be a challenge. At the same time, I’m sure the board knows what they want. Obviously, Nick is there for the remainder of the year, so there’s an opportunity to maybe even bring someone in to pick up a few pointers from Nick directly.”
“I have a feeling the board will step up and find the person who will grow into Nick’s shoes,” he said.
