BARLOW RECEIVES STATEWIDE COMMUNITY COLLEGE AWARD FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

Central Wyoming College Dean of Students, Steve Barlow, received the Jackie Freeze Award for Outstanding Commitment to Student Success during the Wyoming Student Affairs Conference on May 30 at CWC.

The Jackie Freeze Award was created in honor of Jackie Freeze who was a long-time vice president for student success at Western Wyoming Community College. After more than 40 years at WWCC she retired and was appointed a Wyoming Community College Commissioner by Governor Matt Mead in 2017. The award commemorates her legacy and was created by her peers and other community colleges involved in student services.

Each college enters a nominee for the award and Freeze selects someone for the statewide award.

“The winner has put many years into providing personalized support to our students and that is exemplified by the comments from students,” Freeze said about Barlow. “He changed their lives.”

Barlow started his career at CWC as the director of GEAR-UP in 2006. Throughout his life Barlow has worked with students as a coach, teacher, mentor and activities director, not only for students at CWC but for all ages. In his current position as dean of students, Barlow oversees campus housing, campus life and the athletic program. He is diligent in creating a diverse experience for students while creating a traditional college experience as well. Barlow was nominated by Cory Daly, vice president for student affairs at CWC.

“Steve has acted as the mitochondria for our cell for many years; he pumps energy into everything he does and everyone he meets,” Daly said. “Around here, his last name is superfluous. Everyone knows him and we all rely on his judgment and dedication. For both staff and students, Steve is a key pillar of the CWC experience.”

Barlow accredits his success to the success of his office and its employees.