It is hard to believe that our Fall semester is winding down already and that 2024 is coming to a close. We often ask where the time goes while at the same time wishing for the day to be over. This thinking often comes from having a lot to accomplish in one day and over time. As I look at what we have achieved over this semester, I can see why the college team and our students are looking for a much-deserved break.  

Along with hosting our first CNCC Homecoming and State of the College events, the College engaged in the following projects and initiatives:

• We launched our first-ever bachelor’s degree program in dental hygiene, enrolling more than double the number of students originally projected.

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• We hired behavioral health professionals in both Rangely and Craig, in response to the growing developmental, adjustment and mental health needs of students.

• We hired and onboarded a new assistant director of marketing and launched the college’s new and improved website.

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• We collaborated with Rangely Public School leadership and local employers to host a wildly successful career fair for middle and high schoolers.

• We completed a highly successful visit from our nursing program accrediting body. Our nursing students can be proud that they continue to learn from a program which receives strong support from our accrediting agency. 

• We were approved to receive $5.9 million to improve the external appearance and energy efficiency of key buildings in Rangely. These funds will also support the repair of sidewalks on this campus, keeping in mind safety, ADA compliance and aesthetics. Work for these two projects will begin in May 2025. 

Student achievements

• The CNCC flight team excelled this fall in the Regional National Intercollegiate Flying Association Competition and have earned a spot at the National NIFA Competition this coming summer. CNCC emerged as the top two-year flight school in the region, even surpassing one of the four-year programs. We are incredibly proud of the team’s dedication and hard work.

• Our Women’s Soccer Program experienced its first national ranking this year and the first national ranking among any CNCC athletic programs. Additionally, this team was the first ever to qualify for post-season games. 

• Women’s soccer team goalkeeper and freshman Jasmine Hernandes was honored as the NJCAA National Player of the Week. Though we have had many outstanding conference players of the week, Jasmine is our first nationally recognized player.

New Programs

• Cross country — CNCC approved and hired a coach to launch our new cross country program in 2025. The coach is hard at work coordinating this program and recruiting a team.

• Men’s wrestling — CNCC recently hired its new wrestling coach who will begin recruiting for the Fall 2025 competition. 

On the horizon, CNCC has applied for funding to support the renovation of program, community and student engagement buildings in Rangely as well as for multi-use housing in our Craig location. Though not secured, we are hopeful and committed to the ongoing pursuit of resources to continuously improve teaching and learning, student engagement, support and institutional sustainability. 

To close out the year, we look forward to the annual Community Christmas Party at the Craig campus 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. This event is for everyone in the community and a free dinner will be provided at 5 p.m.

Grades are due Dec. 13, which also marks the last day faculty and students will be on campus. Additionally, both campuses will be closed from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1 and will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2.

We hope each of you spend time participating in the community events that we all know and love during this holiday season and enjoy spending quality time with loved ones. We look forward to seeing everyone in the new year and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.