Strategic Priority
Innovation and distinction in ENVIRONMENT
Accomplishments:
- OVERHAULING FUNDING ALLOCATION MODEL
NWC assisted in passage of a bill by the Wyoming State Legislature that modifies the colleges’ Standard Budget request process for state appropriations to the seven community colleges. Importantly, it provides for recalibration of the Enrollment Growth portion every four years to address enrollment increases and decreases, allowing for more effective planning.
- REVISING MISSION STATEMENT & STRATEGIC PLAN
A thorough process to assess and more closely reflect the institution’s current purpose and character resulted in a revision to NWC’s Mission Statement. The inclusive process drew input from employees, students and area residents before being finalized and approved by the Board of Trustees in March. A new strategic plan, Vision 2020, was also developed during the year.
- Mission Statement: In the context of our global society, the mission of Northwest College is to: be student-centered; be forward thinking; cultivate community; prepare students for transfer, career, and life; and retain and graduate students.
- REALIGNING EXPENDITURES WITH DECREASED REVENUE
In response to Wyoming’s decreased revenue situation, NWC reduced its roughly $22.5 million Operating Fund budget by about $3 million. Reductions of this magnitude required scores of cutbacks, including elimination of employee positions and three instructional programs. Savings came from a one-time special early retirement offering; reductions in force affecting four employees; and termination of Farrier Business Management, Journalism, and Film/Radio/TV programs. The deficit is attributed to decreased state appropriations and further directed cuts from the Wyoming Legislature as well as a projected sharp decrease in Park County’s valuation, all of which stem from plummeting energy prices.
- REINING IN TRAPPER ARENA FACILITY ISSUES
Diligent work in Trapper Arena, the Rodeo Teams’ practice facility between Powell and Cody, allowed student athletes to resume practice after being closed last winter following a State Fire Marshal’s visit that revealed deficiencies.
- RENOVATING COLTER HALL
NWC’s oldest residence hall received new windows and window coverings, updated public spaces (lobby and lounge), a repaired entryway and handicap access, as well as a landscape facelift in the first stage of a plan to attract students and modernize the campus. Planning is also underway for renovations of the Nelson Performing Arts Center and DeWitt Student Center, according to Facilities Master Plan priorities.
