Sheridan College/Gillette College Separation Process Takes Another Step Forward

It’s been nearly 5 years since Campbell County residents voted to separate Gillette College from Sheridan College and the separation process between the 2 recently took another step forward.

According to Sheridan College President Dr. Walter Tribley, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) granted candidacy to Gillette College in June and a peer review team will be on campus in the near future to interview students, faculty and leaders to verify if the College should be granted full accreditation.

Once that happens, then Gillette College has to levy 4 mills on property within its district to qualify for state funding from the legislature, which is allocated by the Wyoming Community College Commission.

Sheridan College currently receives legislative funding for itself and Gillette College and distributes some of that money to the other college.

Doctor Tribley says when the dust settles, Sheridan College should have a better idea as to how much less money it will receive from the legislature.

If Gillette doesn’t levy 4 mills, then the other 7 community colleges in the state, including Sheridan, would take their piece of the funding pie.

“That portion of our funding that we’re earning for the courses and programs in Gillette, would then be distributed amongst the 7. We would be one of those 7, but then it would be distributed to one of the 7 colleges that are both accredited and levying the appropriate number of mills. Either way, Sheridan College will be receiving much less a portion than we are currently receiving.”

Doctor Tribley adds that it’s possible Gillette College could receive full accreditation by fall semester next year.