Gillette College Submits Application For Accreditation

Although still a part of the Northern Wyoming Community College District with Sheridan College, one northeast Wyoming school has started to take the biggest step needed in the separation process.

At Tuesday’s (July 18th) Board of Trustees meeting at Sheridan College, President Dr. Walter Tribley informed the board that in late-June, Gillette College officially submitted its application to the Higher Learning Commission for accreditation eligibility.

It’s been almost 2 years since Campbell County residents voted to have Gillette College separate from the Northern Wyoming Community College District and form its own district.

The separation process has been a lengthy procedure involving many steps, including official transfer of faculty from one college to the other, which is scheduled to conclude next month before the fall semester begins.

Doctor Tribley says Sheridan College has been adjusting future budgets as the revenue from Gillette continues to dwindle.

“We knew we were going to be without that revenue someday and so we’ve already been taking steps and doing the right thing I think, and we’ve already been sending tuition and fee revenues there and we’re certainly anticipating the day that any state revenue will cease as well, as it should.”

Accreditation is the most significant milestone needed for Gillette College to be truly independent from Sheridan College.

Dr. Tribley adds it is unknown how long the accreditation process will take and he estimates Gillette College has about 26 academic programs available.