ROCK SPRINGS — Western Wyoming Community College (Western) will break ground on a new Health Science wing this month. The public is invited to attend a ceremony commencing the project Friday, May 10, from 3 to 4 p.m. with President Dr. Kim Dale, Western Board of Trustees, health science faculty, and local partners. This event will mark the beginning of a 10,100+ expansion to the west side of the College with an estimated budget of $11.1 million dollars. Occupancy is projected for August 2026.

Western’s nursing program grew from 24 students per year in 2008 to 40 in 2017, without increasing space. In 2020, a Level II study was commissioned to determine the best course of action for Western’s health science curriculum, ultimately determining that new, dedicated, space was needed. “During our Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accreditation visit in 2020, we received continuing accreditation as being in full compliance with all standards. With the recommendation to expand our physical resources such as facilities and technology to keep up with the demands of healthcare education. This new wing and equipment will meet these requirements. Approximately 80 nursing, 48 nurse assistant, and 72 phlebotomy students will be using this space each academic year. We are extremely excited!” states Heidi Brown, Chair of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing.