Western Nebraska Community College has been reaccredited for another 10 years by the Higher Learning Commission, which covers 19 North Central states as one of 6 regional accrediting bodies for post-secondary schools.
WNCC President Dr Carmen Simon, who didn’t join the college until late in the reaccreditation process, calls the HLC decision “the absolutely best possible outcome” for the school,” adding that WNCC isn’t “a perfect institution” and has some work to do, but also has “a lot to celebrate.”
Work on reaccreditation began 3 years ago and culminated with a virtual campus visit in April by an HLC peer reviewing team and an in-person verification visit in mid-September.
Dr Simone says the dedication and determination of the WNCC staff, faculty, and administration – including her predecessors – showed in the school’s assurance argument to the HLC team both before and during the site visit.
Accreditation ensures that a school meets professional standards – which keeps it eligible to receive federal funding – while assuring current and future students that they will receive a quality education recognized by potential employers and other schools.