Northwest College

Strategic Priority

Innovation and distinction in ENVIRONMENT

ENHANCING FACILITIES

• Facilities projects – NWC pursued “Level II” planning funds through the state’s system for two major building projects on the drawing board. A complete remodel is planned for the DeWitt Student Center (circa 1966). In the Nelson Performing Arts Center (circa 1961), a renovated theatre, updated classroom space and an addition to relocate the Art Department are proposed. Partial Level II funding was appropriated by the 2018 Legislature; additional funding will be sought next year.
• Fundraising feasibility study – A fundraising feasibility study commissioned by the NWC Foundation reported that donors can play a role in helping fund the two projects.
• Johnson Fitness Center renovation – The Johnson Fitness Center (JFC) is currently undergoing renovations including asbestos abatement, updated HVAC and electrical systems, as well as new flooring. However, gym-goers and fitness enthusiasts are still able to visit the JFC in its temporary location in the Fagerberg Annex on campus. The full remodel is expected to be complete before fall 2018 semester courses begin Aug. 22. The project is funded by major maintenance funds NWC receives annually from the state.

REPAIRING DAMAGED RESIDENCE HALL
Water damage discovered in two residence halls as part of routine pre-fall inspections prompted temporary closure of one hall last fall. Attributed to lawn irrigation sprinklers over a period of many years, damage in Ashley Hall (circa 1982) was repaired in time for occupancy last August. Cody Hall (circa 1984), however, suffered worse damage. Though not required by an external agency, the hall closed for the year in order to help maintain students’ comfortable living and learning environment during repair. Further assessment revealed only minor structural damage in the hall, no flooring damage and minimal second-floor damage.
Recent Cody Hall developments include the following.

• Trustees approved $3 million worth of repairs including remodeling rooms, hallways and common areas.
• A comprehensive assessment is underway to develop a residence life master planto inform long-term student housing decisions.
  

INCREASING EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION
Employees reported improved satisfaction in responding to a campus climate survey. Results showed that the mean score (3.771) had increased from 3.698 in the every-other-year Personal Assessment of the College Environment survey. On a 1-5 scale, employees responded to a variety of questions including student focus, supervisory relationships, teamwork, climate and institutional structure.
 
AUDITING TO A POSITIVE OUTCOME
The college’s 2017 financial audit contained no findings in the auditor’s report. The Board of Trustees approved the report in December.
 
DIVERSIFYING THE ECONOMY
Appointed by her presidential colleagues in the state, President Stefani Hicswa joined a statewide advisory board’s major economic diversification project. The Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming (ENDOW) initiative was launched by Governor Matt Mead and the 2017 Legislature.