
By Shannon Lukens. (Courtesy photos)

From Colorado Northwestern Community College, repairs were done to the roof and the gym floor of the Hefley building was replaced, thanks to grants and support from the Rangely Junior College District Board.
CNCC has also completed $2.8 million dollars in IT upgrades.
The aviation program at CNCC has been ranked by Fly magazine as the best program in Colorado for producing workforce-ready pilots.
More details of improvements, honors, and recognitions are below.
Press Release from Colorado Northwestern Community College; Nov. 15, 2024
For Release Immediate Release
November 15, 2024
CNCC’s Fall 2024 State of the College
Rangely, CO. — Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) held its first State of the College and Wreath Auction Event on November 8, 2024. The event provided an opportunity to recognize the college’s achievements and express gratitude to internal and external leadership for their support. Over the past year, the college has made significant progress towards achieving its goals.
Thanks to state grants and support from the Rangely Junior College District Board, the college was able to complete repairs of the Hefley building roof and replace the gym floor, both projects totaling $1.5 million.
Investing in technology, CNCC has completed $2.8 million in IT upgrades, providing students and employees with an enhanced teaching and learning experience. These improvements align with the college’s commitment to delivering high-quality education in a technologically advanced environment.
CNCC has also excelled in various other areas. The Department of Education ranked CNCC first in the state for the successful transfer of financial aid students among community colleges. Additionally, according to PayScale, CNCC is ranked fifth in the country for graduates who earn the highest salaries among public community colleges since 2021. The colleges successfully launched the Dental Hygiene Bachelor’s degree program which includes a service abroad component, contributing to a well-rounded education.
The college’s aviation program has gained recognition, with Fly Magazine which identified CNCC as the best program in Colorado for producing workforce-ready pilots. CNCC’s student flight team also achieved success at the Regional National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA), surpassing four-year programs and securing a top two position among two-year programs.
CNCC continues to prioritize student achievements and success in athletics. The Women’s Soccer Program received its first national ranking, becoming the first CNCC athletic program to achieve this milestone. The college has also approved the launch of a Cross-Country and the rebuilding of the wrestling program. Cross-country will begin competition and wrestling plans to field a men’s team in Fall 2025.
Looking ahead, CNCC’s strategic plan for 2025-2026 and beyond focuses on the following six key areas.
Enrollment growth. This includes expanded recruitment of full-time, degree-seeking students and intentional work on student retention and completion.
Student success and engagement. This means that the college will be focusing on being student-ready, improving the student experience while they are here, and listening to their concerns and responding to them in a timely and effective manner.
Infrastructure improvement, in alignment with the college’s facilities masterplan. CNCC will continue efforts to improve the longevity and aesthetics of its grounds and facilities, inside and out.
Outcomes and accountability. Like any major organization, Colorado Northwestern must show evidence that its students are learning and are prepared for transfer and the workforce. CNCC must also comply with state and national standards in its operations and meet a variety of financial and safety thresholds. They have consistently experienced clean audits but know that continuous improvement is always important.
Innovative business models. This involves innovations on how and what Colorado Northwestern teaches along with program and service models that meet the needs of the workforce and its students. Examples include programs that contribute to a diverse economy in the community and the implementation of tools such as A.I.
Talent management and succession planning. CNCC will continue our focus on employee retention, professional development, and guidance toward growth within the college.
CNCC expresses gratitude for the ongoing support from local communities and stakeholders. The college remains committed to serving its students and working towards their success.
For more information about CNCC and its programs, please visit https://www.cncc.edu
About CNCC: Colorado Northwestern Community College enhances people’s lives by providing an accessible, affordable, quality education. It is the college of choice for students seeking a unique education grounded in the Colorado experience.
Contacts:
Jesse Aitken, Assistant Director of Marketing (970) 824-0869 jesse.aitken@cncc.edu