Why Did Western Wyoming College Change Its Name?

Hello, and welcome to Western Wyoming College! You’ve seen us around Sweetwater County for more than 65 years, but recently you may have noticed that something has changed. Our name! Western Wyoming Community College has become simply Western Wyoming College, and we couldn’t be more excited to share the reasons behind the change with everyone. 

Let’s start with a little history. The college was established in 1959 and opened its doors to its first class of students as Western Wyoming College, operating under that name until 1964, when a newly elected board voted to add “Community College” to the official name. For more than six decades, Western Wyoming Community College welcomed thousands of students, created pathways to higher education, and supported communities and families throughout southwest Wyoming. 

And, along the way, the college grew. Today, Western is proud to offer even more than it did when it added “Community College” to its name in 1964. Students can earn associate degrees, certificates, workforce credentials, and even bachelor’s degrees, all right here at Western. Our new name, Western Wyoming College, better reflects the college we have become while bringing our name full circle to where our story began. 

The change from Western Wyoming Community College to Western Wyoming College reflects the range of educational opportunities available at Western, including a Bachelor of Applied Science degree with pathways in Business Administration and Plant Operations. The shorter name also makes Western easier to find and identify online and helps distinguish us from Walla Walla Community College, which also uses the acronym of Western Wyoming Community College.  

So, you may be wondering: Is Western still a community college? 

The answer is yes! Removing “Community” from our name doesn’t mean removing community from who we are or what we represent. Western remains committed to serving Sweetwater County and communities throughout southwest Wyoming by providing accessible programs, workforce opportunities, and clear pathways to higher education. 

We are the same institution, with the same mission, accreditation, and people who have always made Western a college for the community. Our name may have changed, but our connection to the people and places we serve hasn’t.