Equal Opportunity
Western Wyoming Community College is an Equal Opportunity institution and as such, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability status, disabled veteran, or veteran of the Vietnam, Gulf, or any other era in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs or activities.
Inquiries concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, ADA, and other related laws may be referred to the Vice President of Administrative Services, Western Wyoming Community College, 2500 College Drive, Rock Springs, WY 82901, (307)382-1621; or Office for Civil Rights, Denver Office, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, Suite 310, 1244 Spear Avenue Blvd., Denver, CO 80204-3582, (303) 844-5695, FAX (303)844-4303 or TDD (303)844-3417 or the Wyoming Labor Standards Department, 1510 East Pershing Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307)777-7261.
Western’s History
Western Wyoming Community College, the fifth of seven community colleges in Wyoming, was established in the Fall of 1959. Through the efforts of a citizens’ committee, a campaign was begun, an election was held, and the College and the original district were created.
- In September, 1959, forty students enrolled for college credit courses with five full time faculty teaching during the evening. The first classes were held in the Rock Springs High School building.
- In 1960-61, the College moved to Reliance, five miles from Rock Springs, to occupy the former Reliance High School and daytime classes began. In September, 1964, the original district was expanded to include all communities within Sweetwater County, a new Board of Trustees was elected, and the official name of the College became Western Wyoming Community College.
- Consistent growth of the College led to the inauguration of a $1,822,000 building program on October 4, 1966. On November 11, 1967, ground-breaking ceremonies marked the beginning of construction on a new campus, and completion in June, 1969. Growth continued. In March, 1973, voters approved a $1,780,000 bond issue to provide additional instructional facilities. The new vocational-technical education building was ready for occupancy in Fall, 1974, and the college center building was completed. In 1976, three residence halls were constructed to provide on-campus housing, made possible by a loan from the State Farm Loan Board. The College was granted accreditation by the North Central Association in April, 1976.
- Again, in 1981, the citizens of Sweetwater County demonstrated their support for Western Wyoming Community College by authorizing a building project that cost in excess of $63,000,000. This major expansion created one of the most modern and beautiful community college campuses in the West. Students who enrolled in 1985 were the first to use new student housing, the Green River Center and the Technology and Industry shops. Between the Fall of 1987 and Fall of 1988, a new student commons area, classrooms and labs, offices, Children’s Center, studios, and theatre were occupied. A new chemistry laboratory was completed for the Fall of 1993. Construction of a fifth residence hall was approved in December, 1994, and completed in August, 1997. A sixth, 48 bed, residence hall was completed in Fall 2008. A compression technology building was completed in Spring 2007 and a diesel technology addition was completed Spring 2008.
- Through national, state and county support, and support from grants, a new workforce services building, a renovation to the Wellness/Athletic Center and new science labs for biology were added since 2012.
- In 2019 Western Wyoming Community College celebrated its 60th Anniversary.
- Student numbers have increased from 40 in 1959 to nearly 5,500 in 2019. These figures include all students - varying ages and interests, enrolled in the credit, non-credit and extension programs. The number of full-time students enrolled for college credit courses has increased to 1,100, and full-time equivalent students (FTE) has increased to almost 2,000.
Western’s Vision Statement
Western Wyoming Community College commits to providing a high-quality learning environment fueled by talented professionals dedicated to preparing students for a changing world.
Western’s Mission
As a community college keenly aware of community in its name, Western Wyoming Community College (Western) dedicates its resources to providing high quality learning opportunities for students and employees, to enriching the community’s cultural life, to enhancing the awareness of the community’s unique heritage and environment, and to adapting to changing needs of local business and industry primarily within its service area of southwest Wyoming.
In 1991, the Wyoming State Legislature adopted the following mission statement for Wyoming community colleges under the Post Secondary Omnibus Act:
The mission of Wyoming’s community colleges is to provide access to post-secondary educational opportunities by offering broad comprehensive programs in academic as well as vocational-technical subjects. Wyoming’s community colleges are low-tuition, open access institutions focusing on academic transfer programs, career and occupational programs, developmental and basic skills instruction, adult and continuing education, economic development training, public and community services programming and student support services.
In 2019 Western updated the mission statement as follows:
Western is an innovative public college aimed at empowering, educating, and improving our students, employees, community and environment. Our focus is to inspire the next generation of visionaries by using Wyoming grit and individual development in a diverse array of learning and flexible services. Western is where passion meets purpose.
Western’s Guiding Principles
Western has a set of guiding principles that help to guide the college’s planning effort and decision-making. The Guiding Principles are the basis for the College’s culture and approach to teaching and learning.
Learning is Our Purpose
Our purpose is to provide quality experiences that foster lifelong learning. We assess learning through our five Goals for Student Success, and we then adapt to improve learning.
Goals/Objectives
- Provide support for faculty and staff to learn new skills and new technologies that strengthen learning.
- Emphasize active learning experiences that require higher levels of thinking.
- Document and publicize the improvement of student learning at Western.
- Provide more learning options so that students can complete a degree or continue to learn without the barriers of distance, time, or place.
- Create a more student-driven schedule of classes each summer and semester based upon student needs and feedback.
Students are our Focus
As students succeed in meeting individual goals, Western succeeds. Our task is to provide an environment that encourages success for a diverse student population. Underlying every decision should be the question: Does this contribute to the success of our students?
Goals/Objectives
- Analyze and improve campus services for different segments of students, and inform all students of the services available.
- Create new and adapt existing targeted marketing efforts in order to reach diverse student populations and to be responsive to annual goals.
- Provide equipment and facilities that are conducive to learning.
- Provide for student life experiences and learning outside the classroom.
- Review and refine the orientation, academic advising, and career counseling programs at Western Wyoming Community College.
Employees are our Most Important Resource
Growth opportunities and recognition are important in creating leaders and professionals and in enhancing employee satisfaction.
Goals/Objectives
- Involve employees in the decision-making process.
- Encourage and support college-wide communication.
- Acknowledge each individual’s contributions and reward excellence.
- Provide and promote opportunities for individuals to grow as leaders and professionals.
- Promote pride and ownership in the college.
The Community is Our Partner
We interact with community members, organizations, local business and industry to enrich community life.
Goals/Objectives
- Promote more active connections and involvement in the community.
- Provide access to facilities that are safe, comfortable, and welcoming.
- Serve as a center for discussion and debate of community issues.
- Serve as a cultural resource.
- Assess and respond to the community’s needs.
Adapting to Change Defines Our Future
We must meet the changing needs of our community, students, and employees by encouraging and supporting innovation and informed risk-taking.
Goals/Objectives
- Provide an environment in which students and staff can adapt positively to change.
- Conduct research on which to base decisions while encouraging and supporting innovation and informed risk-taking.
- Evaluate and integrate appropriate technology into our institutional processes.
Ethical Standards Guide Our Actions
We commit ourselves to treating all individuals with respect, demonstrating integrity and professionalism, developing and implementing fair solutions to problems, and assuming responsibility for our work.
Goals/Objectives
- Value our students, employees and all people with whom we interact, and treat them with respect.
- Adhere to high standards of academic integrity and professionalism. Implement college policies consistently.
- Practice ethical decision-making.
Our Governance and Administration
Western Wyoming Community College is under the control of a locally elected Board of Trustees responsible for governing Western Wyoming Community College District. It is a public, non-profit, tax-supported, coeducational, two-year community college.
Board of Trustees:
President
Ms. Regina Clark, Green River
Vice President
Dr. Gregory Erramouspe, Rock Springs
Secretary
Dr. Veronica Donaldson, Rock Springs
Members
Mr. Carl Demshar, Jr., Rock Springs
Mr. George Eckman, Green River
Ms. Shannon Honaker, Rock Springs
Treasurer
Mr. Kenneth Lorimer, Rock Springs
Administrative Staff:
President
Dr. Kimberly Kuster Dale
V.P. for Student Services
currently vacant
V.P. for Student Learning
Dr. Clifford Wittstruck
V.P. for Administrative Services
Mr. William Burt Reynolds
Institutional Overview
Western Wyoming Community College is:
- A public, non-profit, tax-supported, two-year, coeducational institution granted legislative authority to award degrees
- Recognized by the Wyoming State Department of Education
- Recognized by the Veteran’s Administration
- An Equal Opportunity Employer
Accreditation
Western Wyoming Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Western is a member of The Open Pathway. The Commission can be reached at:
230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604- 1413
313-263-0456/800-621-7440
http://www.hlcommission.org/About-HLC/about-hlc.html
Specialized Program Accreditation:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation
Our Locations
Rock Springs (Main Campus)
The Western Wyoming Community College main campus is located in Rock Springs. All college functions and operations are coordinated and supervised from the main campus. The all-enclosed facility provides a modern and attractive learning environment for students from the county, the 29,000 square mile service area, the remainder of Wyoming and others states and countries. The institution provides on campus living for students from the local and surrounding areas. The main campus offers a comprehensive array of transfer, technical and continuing education programming and services. The campus serves as focal point for the local area providing meeting space, cultural and social programming, lectures and other educational events, as well as an art gallery, and natural history, wildlife, and dinosaur museums. Local schools utilize the college for field trips and cultural events. The campus, consisting of 435 acres, can be easily reached by car on Interstate 80 and U.S. 191, as well as by Greyhound Bus Lines and air service. The College serves as a resource for current events and information. The Green River Center and Outreach Sites, in Western’s service area, round out the comprehensive offerings of the college.
Green River Center
The Green River Center, located in Green River, WY, is an extension of Western Wyoming Community College’s Rock Springs campus. Its focus is multipurpose to serve the needs of Green River and the surrounding areas. At the GRC, Western offers educational opportunities for students through a variety of formats including evening courses, high school dual enrollment, and industry training. Additionally, the offices for Workforce Development and Community Education are housed at the GRC. The Workforce Development program provides workforce training and professional/continuing education for business, industry, and government agencies. Community Education offers a variety of personal growth and life development courses and workshops.
Services Available:
- Community Education
- Workforce Trainings
- Test Proctoring Services
- Public Computer Kiosks
- Accommodations for shift workers, Non-traditional, & part-time student
- Professional/Continuing Education
- Evening Courses
- MSHA Certification
- Conference and Seminar Facilities
- High School Dual Enrollment Courses
- Weekend & Flexible Courses
- Community/Cultural Events
Outreach Centers
In this rapidly changing society, many people need to obtain new skills and knowledge in order to succeed in their professions or to be more active and committed members of their community. Western Wyoming Community College is committed to providing such learning experiences, not only to students who can attend on campus, but to students who are bound to jobs and responsibilities in the College’s Outreach areas.
Western Wyoming Community College provides educational opportunities throughout Sweetwater, Sublette, Carbon, Lincoln, and Uinta counties. The department of Online & Innovative Education coordinates credit and non-credit offerings in Afton, Big Piney, Baggs, Cokeville, Hanna/Elk Mountain, Evanston, Kemmerer, Lyman, Mountain View, Pinedale, Rawlins, Saratoga and their surrounding areas. Each of these communities has a coordinator who initiates and implements the local programs. Credit courses at all sites adhere to the same standards and requirements set by Western Wyoming Community College.
Non-credit community service and continuing education courses are provided at most Outreach sites through Western’s partnership with BOCES or BOCHES. Citizens in these communities can enhance their personal knowledge or improve their job skills. These courses can vary in length from a few hours to an entire semester.
Residents seeking additional information about the Western programs or courses in their area should contact their local coordinator. Coordinators’ names and telephone numbers may be obtained by calling the Online & Innovative Education office at (307)382-1807.
Western Wyoming Community College Service Area and Outreach Centers
https://www.westernwyoming.edu/academics/outreach/index.php
The Western Wyoming College Foundation
The Western Wyoming College Foundation is a nonprofit corporation organized to promote, support and extend financial support to Western Wyoming Community College. It aids the College’s educational programs and services by providing scholarships and other financial assistance to the College.
The Foundation is authorized by its Articles of Incorporation to accept gifts, bequests, and donations for the use and benefit of Western Wyoming Community College and its students in accordance with the instructions of the various donors.
The various scholarships and grants offered through the Civic Grant program administered by the Western Wyoming College Foundation may be found in the Financial Aid section.
The Foundation is managed by seven directors of which two are members of the Board of Trustees of the College. The remaining five are from the public at-large. Public at-large vacancies on the Board of Directors are filled by a vote of the majority of the remaining directors.
The current members are:
Mr. John Hay III, President
Ms. Cindy Bailey, Vice-President
Ms. Regina Clark , Secretary/Treasurer
Dr. Kimberly Dale, Director
Dr. Veronica Donaldson, Director
Mr. Craig Nelson, Director
Mr. Jason Radakovich, Director
Western Alumni
Graduates of degree and certificate programs and former students who have completed at least one credit are Western alumni. The Community Relations Office is located on the Rock Springs Campus and serves as an information center for current and former students, their families, and friends of the College.
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