CWC Board Opposes LCCC’s Proposed Wyoming State College Name

RIVERTON, Wyo. — The Central Wyoming College Board of Trustees met at noon Monday, Sept. 14, to discuss Laramie County Community College’s proposed name change to “Wyoming State College.” Following the discussion, the board expressed its opposition to the proposed name, citing concerns that it could create confusion for students and negatively affect Wyoming’s broader higher education system.  

Central Wyoming College first became aware of the proposed name change when CWC President Brad Tyndall and the other Wyoming community college presidents received an email from LCCC President Joe Schaffer on Aug. 17.  Central Wyoming College Trustees approved a memo Monday opposing the proposed name change, and sent it to the LCCC Board of Trustees who are to vote on it this Wednesday at their board meeting.

CWC trustees said the name “Wyoming State College” could suggest that LCCC serves the entire state or holds a distinct statewide status compared with Wyoming’s other community colleges. Trustees also raised concerns about potential impacts on enrollment, philanthropy, grants, institutional branding and the identity of the University of Wyoming and Wyoming’s other community colleges.

“We understand the challenges LCCC faces with a name that includes ‘Laramie,’ particularly because the city of Laramie is not located in Laramie County and is home to the University of Wyoming,” CWC Board of Trustees Chair Paula Hunker said. “We support LCCC in finding a name that better represents the college and reduces that and other points of confusion.” 

LCCC explains their rationale and process for the name change on their website.

The CWC Board of Trustees encouraged LCCC to consider an alternative name that clearly reflects its institution, mission and service area without creating unintended confusion within Wyoming’s higher education system.

“We ask that the new name be chosen with care so it does not inadvertently harm Wyoming’s seven sister community colleges or the University of Wyoming, or create additional confusion for students and the public,” Hunker said.

The Central Wyoming College Board of Trustees includes Hunker and trustees Craig Tolman, Dr. Carlton Underwood, Shana Tarter, Alma Law, Ernie Over and Gay Hughes.