SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Western Nebraska Community College's revamped Commercial Drivers License (CDL) program is successfully producing licensed drivers to help fill the abundant need in the state since the Fall 2020 semester.

Currently, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers are the top ranked occupation by demand in the state of Nebraska according to the Department of Labor, Education, & Economic Development. In October 2021, WNCC reached the mark of 19 graduates since last Fall.

The program has helped students like Nathan Ulander of Bayard find a stable job to provide for his family. Ulander and his family moved to the area in 2020 with the dream to rebuild a bed & breakfast, but he realized he needed a job to provide health insurance for himself and his family. After hearing about the shortage of commercial drivers in the nation, he decided to enroll in the CDL program.

"The instructors were incredible," Ulander said. "They were able to answer any and all of my questions and when teaching they helped everything make sense. After finishing the class, getting a job with the state with insurance was made possible."

After obtaining his Class A CDL, Ulander accepted a job and is currently employed with the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

The five-week training program provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicle written and skills exams in order to receive a Class A CDL. The program consists of a mix of classroom time and behind-the wheel driving in one of WNCC's fleet vehicles.

The first week of class is spent in the classroom, and the remaining are dedicated to behind-the-wheel skills development. Students first develop skills on a course set up on the dirt track on the Scottsbluff Campus before moving to public-road driving in the following weeks.

WNCC is offering one more section in the Fall 2021 semester, starting on November 8. Classes will start back up in early January and will continue every six weeks through 2022.

WCCA Board member, State Senator, others awarded at NCCA conference

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Dr. M. Thomas Perkins, a member of the Western Community College Area Board of Governors, Senator John Stinner, and Dr. Robert Byrd among others were honored at the annual Nebraska Community College Association (NCCA) Awards Ceremony, October 3, on Western Nebraska Community College's Scottsbluff Campus.

Perkins was honored with the Special Recognition Award, Stinner the NCCA Friend of Community Colleges Award, and Byrd the WNCC Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Perkins, who serves as the Member At-Large on the WCCA Board of Governors, earned the Special Recognition Award in recognition and appreciation of his exemplary contributions and commitment to supporting the mission of Nebraska's community colleges. Perkins has been heavily involved at both the state and national level, with the Association of Community College Trustees, in advocating for community colleges.

“Tom has been tremendous supporter of NCCA and ACCT for a long period of time," Steve Anderson, vice president of the NCCA Board of Governors said. "This award has never been given at the community college level. We felt he was deserving based on commitment over extended period of time. It’s an award that we may not give again. He’s a real advocate, especially to rural community colleges."

Sen. Stinner, was nominated for the Friend of Community Colleges Award by WNCC Interim President John Marrin. Marrin cited Stinner's dedication to education, his work on the Appropriations Committee to reduce biennium budget cuts for higher education, and his advocation for additional funding for dual-credit programs at community colleges.

"Senator Stinner knows and values the importance and impact of Nebraska community colleges and the communities we serve from both a workforce and economic standpoint," Marrin said. "He is more than deserving of this distinction."

Dr. Byrd attended WNCC from 1967-1969, then named Scottsbluff Junior College, before attending the University of Wyoming where he earned a degree in Zoology and Cell Biology, and eventually was accepted into Meharry Medical College where he earned a doctorate in dental surgery. Byrd practiced dentistry for 35 years while also being a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force Reserves and Army National Guard. He retired from the military with 25 years of honorable service and a rank of Colonel. Currently, Byrd works with the VA healthcare system, specifically regarding long term care, suicide, and violence prevention. He is also the chair for the Wyoming Advisory Committee to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission.

Distinguished alumni were honored from each Nebraska Community College. Chandra Anderson, of Central Community College; Danelle Franzen, of Mid-Plains Community College; James McKenzie of Northeast Community College; and Scott Cordes of Southeast Community College were all recognized from their respective institutions.