WNC History

During the 1960's, Nevadans who wanted to continue their education beyond high school had to go to Reno or Las Vegas. But over 40 years ago, a number of people realized that more options were needed, not only for degree seeking students, but also for the adults who wanted job training and community service classes to meet special and individual needs. The idea of a Nevada state community college system was born.

In 1966, Paul Laxalt was elected governor on a platform that included a promise to push for community colleges. The effort gained a boost when Governor Laxalt convinced billionaire Howard Hughes to donate up to $200,000 each year for 20 years if the legislature would put up some funding for community colleges. As a result, a state community college system was created and its first institution, Northern Nevada Community College, was constructed in Elko, Nevada.

Soon afterward, Carson City residents began to push for a college in their town. A bill was passed to transfer 200 acres of state-owned land in Carson City to the university system for a community college site. On the local level, the entire community was drumming up support and raising money to open a two-year college in Carson City. The effort finally paid off and Western Nevada Community College opened its doors on September 19, 1971, serving Carson City and most of western Nevada.

Over the years many changes have occurred. In 1973, groundbreaking took place for the Carson City campus we know today. The Fallon campus was opened in 1980, and in 1997 the Douglas campus in Minden was established. Rural instructional centers were created throughout the seven-county service area to meet the increasing demand for access to education in rural communities. In recent years, the college has also added distance education offerings including Internet courses and interactive video, reaching students in even the remotest locations.

On July 1st, 2007, Western Nevada Community College became Western Nevada College (WNC).