Serving Wyoming Since 1948: Eastern Wyoming College offers innovative learning
Since 1948, Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) has assisted tens of thousands of students from around the world in earning degrees, certificates or completing transfer courses, enabling them to pursue further education.
EWC offers a variety of programs designed to help students either learn a new career or transfer to a four-year college or university.
The college is supported by dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to guiding students every step of the way, as student success is a top priority at EWC.
As a learning community, the college provides opportunities empowering students to achieve their goals while enriching the state through work, partnerships and academic accomplishments.
EWC’s student experience is crafted to promote personal growth by fostering independence, encouraging ethical behavior and instilling individual responsibility for learning.
Additionally, the college offers opportunities for student involvement in campus activities to enhance social development.
Lancer history
EWC was originally established in Torrington as the Southeast University Center, which was an extension of the University of Wyoming (UW) and part of Torrington School District #3.
Between 1948-56, the college faced significant challenges due to a very limited budget, which restricted its faculty, curriculum and student enrollment.
During this time, the college enrolled only 16 full-time students who were taught by two full-time instructors and offered just a dozen classes.
In 1956, the citizens of the Torrington Public School District voted to create the Goshen County Community College District as an independent political entity of the state, complete with its own board of control.
By 1968, the college was renamed EWC, changing from its previous designation as the Goshen County Community College District.
After the reorganization, EWC’s enrollment increased to 62 full-time students with four full-time instructors offering approximately 30 classes during each term of the school year.
The institution’s growth has continued steadily, now supporting a branch campus in Douglas and regional learning centers in Converse, Crook, Platte and Weston counties.
Lancer leadership
EWC is a public institution established under the Community College Act of the State Legislature.
Its purpose is to provide instruction for the first two years of college education and offer related services to individuals in eastern Wyoming communities.
The college is a tax-supported, co-educational institution governed by an elected board and operates within the EWC College District.
The EWC Board consists of seven members, each elected to four-year terms by eligible voters within the College District.
In 2022, Dr. Jeffry Hawes was appointed as president of the college by the EWC Board of Trustees and works closely with the administration, faculty and staff to deliver quality instructional programs to prepare students for their futures.
Ag department
EWC is currently redesigning its agriculture program, with plans to implement the updated curriculum in the fall of 2025.
The new offering will emphasize traditional education while also incorporating modern applied agriculture components.
“Torrington is the center of the largest ag producing area in the state,” EWC Director of Agricultural Development Martin Winchell states. “EWC continues to develop its ag programming to ensure students have the appropriate applied skills to enter the local agricultural workforce.”
As part of this redesign, EWC will offer two majors that are focused on distinct pathways. The Ag Business and Science Degree will be for students looking to transfer to a four-year university with the potential to major in a wide range of ag-based degrees. The Farm and Ranch Management Degree will prepare students to return to the farm or ranch and/or a wide range of other ag careers.
Students can also seek specialized certificates including animal production, crop production and modern agricultural systems. These applied certificates are for those seeking specialist credentials or looking to update knowledge and skills in a specific area.
Martin adds, “Our judging, show, rodeo and SkillsUSA teams are a major focus on campus. Investing in these programs will continue to be a cornerstone of our applied student experience.”
Partnerships
“EWC partners with UW to share and maximize the state’s resources,” Martin says. “The school collaborates with local 4-H and FFA chapters, along with middle and high school students to help retain and train local talent.”
For example, EWC has teamed up with UW’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center (SAREC) through a Wyoming Innovation Partnership grant.
This collaboration allows students to further their education while accessing latest research and technologies all in applied setting including internships.
Furthermore, EWC is planning additional agricultural changes for the upcoming year, as Martin and his team focus on scholarship opportunities and the potential establishment of an entrepreneurship center.
For more information, visit ewc.wy.edu or call 307-532-8200.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
