WYOMING — The Wyoming Community College Commission [WCCC] has voted in unanimous approval of a new Bachelor of Applied Science degree at Central Wyoming College [CWC].

The degree emphasizes Organizational Management as well as Tribal Leadership or Business Entrepreneurship Leadership, and its approval marks six steps complete in a seven-step process concluding with a visit from the Higher Learning Commission.

“Approval by the WCCC is historic,” said CWC President, Brad Tyndall. “We as a State have embraced a new and exciting vision to transform our community colleges and vocational education to the baccalaureate level.”

“We have carved a new pathway for those with vocational backgrounds and aspirations to advance in their careers. Their families and our local economies will benefit greatly,” he said.

A public community college offering 2-year associates degrees, Central Wyoming College marries online course study with main campus instruction. And, the potential addition of the new BAS degree addresses directly input from new students, staff, and a college-administered pole which indicated regional demand for employees bearing such a background. According to the CWC survey 59% percent of prospective employers felt a strong need for a BAS program and, of those, 81% percent would prefer to hire a job applicant with study experience in the Bachelor of Applied Science field.

Vice President of Academic Affairs at CWC, Dr. Kathy Wells presented before the WCCC, detailing the exacting thought process behind the college’s move for an additional degree.

“CWC must follow a complex approval process to offer the Bachelors of Applied Science degree, and each step of the process is rigorous,” Wells said. “The WCCC did their due diligence and asked the difficult questions needed to ensure that CWC is prepared to implement bachelors-level education for the communities they serve.”

“The unanimous vote of approval by the commissioners validates the work CWC faculty and staff have completed in their commitment to providing quality education and student support at this next level,” she said.

CWC welcomes the recent go-ahead from WCCC but underscores that a vital concluding step is yet to be completed.

That final approving step, a visit from CWC’s accrediting body and independent corporation Higher Learning Commission, is expected to arrive either late December 2019 or early 2020.