Northern Wyoming Community College District kicks off fall semester

Press Release – Classes began on Monday for both Sheridan and Gillette Colleges, and district officials are pleased to see the number of students seeking a degree or certificate up overall.

“Helping students earn a meaningful credential is why we exist,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Leah Barrett.  “We are pleased to see such a strong number of students enrolling at our institutions with a goal of earning a degree, and we are pleased to see growth in specific academic areas.”

# of students enrolling in degree or certificate programs

While this number is down slightly in Gillette, Dr. Mark Englert, Vice President of Gillette College, is not surprised and sees positive highlights.

“We have seen ebbs and flows during our decade of incredible growth,” said Englert.  “The current decline is primarily reflective of our returning student population.  This is due in part to a record number of graduates in May.  Also, when unemployment is high, we typically see more people go back to school.  When it is low, such as now, many people are choosing to work full-time, and even take on extra shifts, rather than taking college courses.”

An important indicator for future planning, according to Englert, is the number of first time, degree-seeking students attending Gillette College this fall, which is up nearly 35% since fall 2014.

“What we have to offer students here is a first-class education,” said Englert.

Other growth areas include the number of students studying Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Elementary Education and Agriculture, according to Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Mathew Ewers.

“We continue to see marked growth in areas we have specifically targeted over the last couple of years,” said Ewers.  “These results are a positive consequence of our innovations such as AREA 59, which we will celebrate with a grand opening in October.”