General Information

Equal Opportunity

Western Wyoming Community College is an equal opportunity institution and as such prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, political belief, genetic information, or any other applicable protected category or activity.  The college ensures non-discriminatory practices in all matters relating to its educational admissions, programs, services, and activities as well as in all terms and conditions of employment. 

Inquiries concerning Title IX and Section 504 may be referred to:

Inquiries concerning Title VI & VII may be referred to:

Western Wyoming Community College ofrece una amplia variedad de programas de educación técnica y profesional comercializables y de alta calidad que culminan en un título y / o certificado. Los estudiantes pueden realizar estudios en Artes Visuales y Escénicas, Ciencias Sociales, Ciencias, Enfermería, Servicios Médicos de Emergencia y Paramedicina, Flebotomía, Matemáticas, Psicología, Ingeniería, Ciencias del Ejercicio, Comunicación, Educación, Justicia Criminal, Negocios y Sistemas de Información Comercial, Ciencias de la Computación, Industria (Automotriz, Eléctrica e Instrumentación, Mantenimiento Industrial y de Minas, Petróleo y Gas, Soldadura, Operaciones de Planta y Licencia de conducir comercial) así como Adquisición del Idioma Inglés.

La admisión a enfermería es competitiva y se basa en las pruebas ATI TEAS, el promedio de calificaciones y la finalización de las clases de requisitos previos. La admisión a Paramedicina requiere la finalización de cursos prerrequisitos y una licencia de Servicios Médicos de Emergencia.

Todos los demás programas de títulos y certificados requieren un diploma de escuela secundaria o su equivalente (HISET). Los futuros estudiantes que actualmente no cumplen con los criterios de admisión pueden inscribirse en la preparación para la carrera y la universidad de Western para trabajar hacia un certificado de equivalencia de escuela secundaria.

Western Wyoming Community College es una institución que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y, como tal, prohíbe la discriminación y el acoso por motivos de raza, color, género, religión, nacionalidad, discapacidad, edad, condición de veterano, sexo, embarazo, orientación sexual, identidad de género, creencias políticas, genética. información, o cualquier otra categoría o actividad protegida aplicable. El colegio garantiza prácticas no discriminatorias en todos los asuntos relacionados con sus admisiones educativas, programas, servicios y actividades, así como en todos los términos y condiciones de empleo.

Las consultas relacionadas con el Título IX y la Sección 504 pueden remitirse a:

Las consultas relacionadas con los títulos VI y VII pueden remitirse a:

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.
• In 2021 the Higher Learning Commission gave approval for Western to offer a Bachelor of Applied Science degree with concentrations in Organizational and Industrial Management.
• 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 will inspire and empower today’s students and our communities to create a better Wyoming.

Western’s Mission

Western Wyoming Community College is an innovative public community 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.

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.

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 primary purpose is to provide high-quality experiences that foster lifelong learning. We offer a comprehensive array of learning outcomes and options, assessed through our five Goals for Student Success.

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

When students succeed, Western succeeds. We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse student population and creating an environment that is welcoming and student-centered.

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

Western strives to attract, retain, and recognize our talent. We value and encourage professional development and career progression for employee enrichment, and invite participation in our shared governance processes.

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 partner with our service area community members, organizations, businesses, and industries to ensure relevant programs, expand workforce training opportunities, and enhance economic development. 

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

The world is consistently changing, and Western strives to meet the changing demands of our students and communities by encouraging and supporting innovation and continuous improvement in everything we do. 

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.

Data and Integrity Guide Our Decisions

We approach decision-making by analyzing a variety of data, gathering multiple perspectives, and implementing solutions in a transparent and ethical manner. Respect and integrity are highly-regarded values in how we do business.

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

Mr. James Jessen, Rock Springs

Vice President

Mr. Kenneth Lorimer, Rock Springs

Secretary

Ms. Regina Clark, Green River

Treasurer

Mr. Stephen P. Allen, Rock Springs

Members

Mr. Neil Kourbelas, Rock Springs

Ms. Jenissa Meredith, Green River

Mr. Ron Wild, Rock Springs

Administrative Staff:

President’s Cabinet

President

Dr. Kimberly Kuster Dale

Vice President for Academic Student Learning

Dr. Clifford Wittstruck II

Vice President for Administrative Services

Mr. William Burt Reynolds

Associate Vice President of Finance

Ms. Debbie Baker

Associate Vice President of Human Resources

Ms. Joy Adams

Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness

Mr. Mark Rembacz

Dean of Outreach and Workforce Development

Ms. Amy Murphy

Dean of Students

Dr. Dustin Conover

Director of Information Technology Services

Mr. Derek Robinson

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 high school dual enrollment, community education, 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
• Workforce Test Proctoring Services
• Accommodations for shift workers, Non-traditional, & part-time student
• Professional/Continuing Education
• MSHA Certification
• Conference and Seminar Facilities
• 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 Outreach Department coordinates credit and non-credit offerings in Afton, Big Piney, Baggs, Cokeville, Evanston, Kemmerer, Lyman, Mountain View, Pinedale, Rawlins, Saratoga and their surrounding areas. Each of these communities have 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 going to westernwyoming.edu/outreach

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
Mr. James Jessen, Director
Mr. Craig Nelson, Director
Mr. Carl Demshar, 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.