For Kimberly Chesser, Northeast Alabama Community College was more than a place to earn a degree. It was a second home and the foundation of a lifelong passion that led to a thriving career in the arts. 

Her connection to the college began long before she officially became a student. Growing up in Fyffe, Alabama, Chesser participated in theatre productions at Northeast, spending six years immersed in nearly 20 shows. When she was offered a full scholarship and a chance to attend NACC as a student, the decision felt like the next right step.

Northeast provided both a practical and inspiring path forward. During her time as a student, the college opened a state-of-the-art facility, the Tom Bevill Lyceum. Performing on a professional-caliber stage alongside a supportive community of peers and faculty made her eventual transition to a four-year institution seamless.

At NACC, Chesser gained hands-on experience in every facet of theatre, from acting and directing to set construction, costuming, and lighting. This well-rounded training instilled both confidence and adaptability, qualities that would become essential in her career. One of the most influential figures during her time at Northeast was Ann Everett, whom Chesser describes as “a force of nature.”

After graduating from NACC in 1995, Chesser transferred to the University of Montevallo, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre with a concentration in musical theatre. She went on to build an impressive and diverse career, working across the country and internationally. Now based in New York City, she has spent nearly three decades performing in musicals, plays, television, and film, while also writing, directing, producing, and teaching.

Among her proudest accomplishments are the three feature films she helped bring to life as an executive producer: The Extinction of Fireflies, Jimmy and Carolyn, and Oscar Wilde About America. In each project, she wore multiple hats, collaborating on creative direction while also managing practical elements like casting, contracts, and production design. This versatility, she notes, reflects the comprehensive skillset she first developed at Northeast.

Chesser credits her education not only for preparing her professionally but also for shaping her broader perspective. Courses in English, history, and sociology continue to influence her work and creativity today. Her advice to current students is simple: embrace every opportunity. “NACC is a very special place,” she says. “The relationships you build and the knowledge you gain there will stay with you. Take it all in! You may use it in ways you never expect.” From a young performer on a local stage to an accomplished artist with an international career, Kimberly Chesser exemplifies the lasting impact of the Northeast experience.