Central Wyoming College Engineering Alum Excels In UW Coursework

RIVERTON, Wyo. – Central Wyoming College (CWC) is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of engineering alumnus Brett Jones, who will graduate from the University of Wyoming (UW) in May. Jones, born and raised in Riverton, is excelling in his upper-division mechanical engineering coursework at UW. He credits the rigorous academic preparation he received at CWC for positioning him to thrive from the very first day of his engineering studies.

Jones earned an Associate of Science in Engineering and an Associate of Science in Mathematics from Central Wyoming College, completing both while still in high school, before moving directly into the engineering curriculum at UW. He will also graduate from UW with minors in Engineering Honors and Mathematics.

Jones notes that Central Wyoming College’s engineering and mathematics classes were demanding and comprehensive, designed to meet the expectations of four-year engineering programs. That level of rigor, paired with accessible and highly engaged faculty, allowed him to develop a deep understanding of core concepts before advancing to more specialized courses.

Among those impactful faculty members was Mike Bostick, Jones’ mathematics professor, who played a pivotal role in shaping his academic trajectory. Jones credits Bostick with inspiring his love for advanced math and strengthening the analytical skills that have become essential to his success in engineering.

Jones explained that CWC’s small class sizes and hands-on approach fostered an environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore complex ideas, and take ownership of their learning. That academic culture, he said, gave him confidence as he transitioned into UW’s advanced engineering curriculum.

Because Central Wyoming College’s engineering sequence is closely aligned with UW’s academic expectations, Jones was prepared to step directly into courses such as Mechanics of Materials, Fluid Dynamics, and other upper-division engineering classes. He said he “hit the ground sprinting” upon arriving at UW, often finding himself ahead of peers who began their studies at four-year institutions.

Faculty Excellence: Mike Bostick Completes PhD

Central Wyoming College is also proud to recognize a significant academic achievement among its faculty. Professor of Mathematics Mike Bostick, whose teaching played a central role in nurturing Jones’s enthusiasm for the field, recently completed his PhD, successfully defending a dissertation focused on improving the accuracy and equity of college math placement.

Bostick’s research examined how placement assessments, student performance data, and course progression intersect to influence long-term academic success. His findings offer evidence-based recommendations that will help Central Wyoming College refine its math placement process, ensuring students begin at the course level most appropriate for their skills and goals.

This work has significant implications for STEM programs, where early math placement plays a critical role in student persistence and achievement. By integrating the insights from Bostick’s dissertation, CWC aims to strengthen advising practices, improve developmental and gateway math courses, and support students as they advance through demanding STEM pathways.

Bostick’s accomplishment reflects both personal academic excellence and CWC’s broader commitment to continuous improvement and student-centered instruction