By Trina Dennis Brittain 
Rock Spring Rocket-Miner
Via-Wyoming News Exchange

ROCK SPRINGS (WNE) — The Western Wyoming Community College Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of the college’s next president, Dr. Kirk Young during the board’s regular meeting on Thursday, April 25. He will begin on July 1, 2024 and succeed Dr. Kim Dale, who announced her departure from the college last year.

In discussing Youngs’s appointment, Jim Jessen, board president, shared that the board could not be more pleased to find a dynamic leader to continue Western’s evolution and ongoing impact on the region.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Young to the Western community. We have every confidence in his knowledge of community colleges and skill in leadership to guide us to the next chapter,” said Jessen.

Dr. Young’s appointment comes after a comprehensive national search that involved campus and external community participation.

Dr. Young said, “I express my sincere thanks to the board of trustees as well as the community at Western for this tremendous opportunity. I dedicate all I have to this position. I look forward to getting to know the entire community and working with you to build upon a legacy that has been forged throughout decades of determination and hard work. To the students of Western Wyoming Community College, I eagerly anticipate the chance to be a part of the team dedicated to helping you accomplish your educational and professional goals.”

The presidential search process consisted of a 20-member search committee led by Jessen and consultants, the Pauly Group, a national search firm with over 30 years of experience in academic and executive leadership placement. The committee was comprised of community leaders and employees representative of the campus communities.

During the meeting, the board approved the financial contract for Young. Contract terms include the base salary of $205,000 a year, $105,000 monthly allowance in housing, and $800 a month in vehicle allowance. Also included in the contract is a $16,500 relocation allowance.