General Information
The Mission of Wyoming's Community Colleges
The following mission statement was adopted by the Wyoming State
Legislature under the Post Secondary Omnibus Act in 1991:
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.
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Western's Mission Statement
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 the
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 in 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 has chosen to enhance this mission statement as follows:
Western's fundamental purpose is to provide high quality learning
opportunities to students who are at various stages of life and have
differing needs and expectations. Committed to quality and success,
Western encourages flexibility, innovation, and active learning for
students, faculty and staff. The College understands that learning
occurs inside and outside the classroom and, therefore, seeks to create
an environment where lifelong learning is encouraged and where students
and employees interact in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Western has developed a curriculum designed to introduce students to
multiple modes of intellectual inquiry that are believed to be
fundamental to human knowledge and to successful learning. Through the
College's Goals for Student Success, students expand their capacity to
solve problems both critically and creatively, to consider multiple
perspectives, to retrieve relevant information, to communicate clearly,
and to develop life skills that promote health and well-being.
Outside the classroom, Western provides additional learning
activities, such as presentations, exhibits, performances, athletic
events, internships, leadership opportunities, and residence hall
programs. Support services complement Western’s focus on learning and
assist the faculty and staff in helping students pursue their
educational goals. Recognizing that the college experience influences
the social, emotional, and physical well-being of each student, Western
maintains a modern facility which contributes to a supportive
environment that fosters interaction and student and employee
development. Learning, both in and out of the classroom, provides
students a foundation for succeeding in an ever-changing global
environment.
Western recognizes that employees are our most important resource.
Key factors of employee job satisfaction are growth opportunities,
involvement, and recognition. The College provides funding and learning
opportunities for continued professional development and access to new
technologies. The College, furthermore, recognizes the value of
employees by encouraging involvement in planning and decision-making,
maintaining open communications, and supporting efforts to recognize
their contributions.
Western's students and employees seek to demonstrate integrity and
professionalism in their relations with one another and the community.
Ethical behavior, thus, is a priority in developing and implementing
fair solutions, in communicating with outside entities, and during
interactions between employees.
Western strives to achieve its institutional values through its
Guiding Principles, principles that help the College adapt to change,
plan for the future and make sound decisions.
WESTERN'S GUIDING PRINCIPLES
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
A. Provide support for faculty and staff to learn new skills and new
technologies that strengthen learning.
B. Emphasize active learning experiences that require higher levels of
thinking.
C. Document and publicize the improvement of student learning at WWCC.
D. Provide more learning options so that students can complete a degree or
continue to learn without the barriers of distance, time, or place.
E. 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, WWCC 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
A. Analyze and improve campus services for different segments of students,
and inform all students of the services available.
B. Create new and adapt existing targeted marketing efforts in order to
reach diverse student populations and to be responsive to annual goals.
C. Provide equipment and facilities that are conducive to learning.
D. Provide for student life experiences and learning outside the
classroom.
E. 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
A. Involve employees in the decision-making process.
B. Encourage and support college-wide communication.
C. Acknowledge each individual’s contributions and reward excellence.
D. Provide and promote opportunities for individuals to grow as leaders
and professionals.
E. 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
A. Promote more active connections and involvement in the community.
B. Provide access to facilities that are safe, comfortable, and welcoming.
C. Serve as a center for discussion and debate of community issues.
D. Serve as a cultural resource.
E. 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
A. Provide an environment in which students and staff can adapt positively
to change.
B. Conduct research on which to base decisions while encouraging and
supporting innovation and informed risk-taking.
C. 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
A. Value our students, employees and all people with whom we interact,
and treat them with respect.
B. Adhere to high standards of academic integrity and professionalism.
Implement college policies consistently.
C. Practice ethical decision-making.
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Our 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.
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.
Student numbers have increased from 40 in 1959 to over 5,000 in 2002.
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 approximately
1,000, and full-time equivalent students (FTE) has increased to
approximately
1,800.
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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, tax-supported,
co-educational, two-year community college.
| Board of Trustees: |
|
President |
Doug Galvin, Rock Springs |
|
Vice President |
Dick
Boettcher, Rock Springs |
|
Secretary |
John
Freeman, Green River |
|
Treasurer |
Ann Strand, Rock Springs |
|
Trustees |
Clark Stith, Rock Springs
Shannon Honaker, Rock Springs
George Eckman, Green River
|
| Administrative Staff: |
| President |
Dr. Tex Boggs |
| Vice President for Student
Learning |
Mr. Ken Fitschen |
| Vice President
for Administrative Services |
Mr. Marty Kelsey |
| Vice President for Student
Success Services |
Dr. Jackie Freeze |
| Associate Vice President
for
Student Learning |
Dr. Sandra Caldwell |
| Associate Vice President
for
Student Success Services |
Laurie Watkins |
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Institutional
Overview
Western Wyoming Community College is:
• A public, tax-supported, two-year, co-educational
institution
• Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges
& Schools
• Recognized by the Wyoming State Department of Education
• Recognized by the Veteran’s Administration
• An Equal Opportunity Employer
Our
Location
Western Wyoming Community College is located in Rock Springs and
has an extended campus center in Green River, Sweetwater County,
Wyoming. The boundaries of the College district, conterminal with
those of the County, enclose 10,473 square miles in the southwestern
part of the State. The average elevation of the County is over 6,500
feet above sea level. Green River, which is located approximately 12
miles west of the main campus site, together with Rock Springs,
comprises the fourth largest population center in the State of
Wyoming. The recreation areas of Flaming Gorge, The Tetons/Jackson
Hole country, and Yellowstone National Park are all easily
accessible to the College community. The campus, consisting of 435
acres, with modern facilities and equipment, can be easily reached
by Greyhound Bus Lines and various airlines as well as by car on
Interstate 80 and U.S. 191.
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Our
Accreditation
North Central: Western Wyoming
Community College is accredited by the North Central Association of
Colleges and Secondary Schools. The College was recognized for:
• Well-qualified, dedicated and enthusiastic faculty,
administration, and staff
• Fostering a visible partnership with business and
industrial and health sectors to promote economic progress
• Serving as the cultural center of its service area,
facilitating community involvement in a broad range of activities
• Having a physical plant that is highly attractive,
effectively utilized, and well maintained
• Having a commitment to serving a huge geographic areas
through quality outreach centers
• Providing an Associated Student Government and student body
actively involved in campus affairs and exhibiting strong mutual
support among their peers
• Providing occupational programs that are relevant, current,
and responsive to student and community needs
• Having solid academic resources and support services
• Expressing a commitment to providing comprehensive student
services
Other Accreditation:
• Wyoming State Board of Nursing and the National
League of Nursing Accrediting Commission
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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 certificate 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 and testators.
The various 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 three are
members of the Board of Trustees of the College. One member of the
Foundation Board is the President of the College and the remaining
three 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: |
|
| President |
Mr. John Hay, III |
| Vice President |
Mr. Jim Burdick |
| Secretary/Treasurer |
Mr. Dick Boettcher |
| Director |
Shannon Honaker |
| Director |
Cindy Bailey |
| Director |
Dr. Tex Boggs |
| Director |
Mr. Mike Yedinak |
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