TORRINGTON – Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) is preparing a new five-year strategic plan for 2026–2030. Staff and administration have been working toward the new plan throughout this school year, including forming an Envisioning Committee with internal stakeholders, holding small group sessions with institutional staff, gathering community input via survey, and holding public listening sessions across the EWC service area, which includes Crook County, Weston County, Converse County, Niobrara County, Platte County and Goshen County. The last of the public listening sessions was held on Wednesday at Torrington High School. Two dozen members of the community were in attendance, including Goshen County School District (GCSD) staff, city and county government leaders and EWC trustees.

EWC President Dr. Jeffry Hawes led the meeting, asking attendees to share what the college does well or how it benefits the community. Torrington High School Principal Dr. Alan Van Tilburg opened with appreciation for EWC’s concurrent and dual enrollment options, which make college classes available to high school students, allowing them to take specialized courses and prepare for college. Hawes agreed, stating college is an extension, not a diversion, of the K–12 school system. He noted the success of the partnerships with local high schools and highlighted the college’s CDL program, where approximately 40 high school students per year are finishing the program and gaining valuable work skills while still in high school. 

Other GCSD staff shared the value college students have brought to the district by filling substitute teacher needs and by speaking with current high school students about their options post-graduation. The college has even offered internships to high school students with particular career interests like IT. EWC sports were also praised for giving local students opportunities to continue their athletic interests beyond high school, for supporting the community by using the Goshen County Fairgrounds facilities and for bringing in students from outside the local area. Attendees also appreciated the cultural offerings of the college, including community events at the EWC auditorium and the archaeology and anthropology programs.

When asked to reflect on how the college could better serve the community, some attendees commented on enhancements or changes to current programs, including ensuring that credits earned at EWC transfer to local four-year institutions, providing course offerings earlier to allow students more time to meet prerequisites and enroll in classes and offering more courses in the evenings. GCSD staff suggested a more formalized approach to outreach in the high schools, including tutoring and mentorship programs.

Many also offered ideas for new programs or efforts for the college. A suggestion was made to increase outreach to eighth-grade students who are already preparing for college. Others saw an opportunity for the college to expand outreach and recruitment activities, such as camps or a “College for a Day” program on Fridays, when many middle and high school students in Goshen County do not have classes. A number of suggestions involved sports, including adding a junior college football team to the athletic roster and building a partnership between the college’s new e-sports team and high school students interested in gaming. Some requested additional program offerings, including more career and technical education in automotive and diesel mechanics, as well as computer science courses focusing on AI integration and robotics.

In closing, Hawes thanked the group for their comments. He noted the college has had a difficult season in recent years as it navigated multiple challenges, including a cyberattack, increased reporting requirements necessitating modernization and automation of enrollment and financial aid and external challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. He shared the institutional staff have been critical in addressing these challenges and he is optimistic about the future as the school focuses on enhancing its strengths and encouraging improvement – integrating many of the comments made into the new five-year strategic plan. 

“EWC’s listening session at Torrington High School is an important step in shaping the strategic plan that will guide the college’s decisions over the next few years,” Hawes said. “We are here to gain valuable insight from our community – students, parents, educators, and local leaders – so we can better understand their needs and strengthen the way we serve both our students and the broader region.” 

EWC plans to release the new five-year strategic plan in the next few months.