Casper College President To Retire

Casper College President, Walter Nolte, recently announced that he will be retiring at the end of June 2015. Ten years have passed since Nolte became President and under his guidance the school has seen much progress, new buildings, academic success and new programs. Casper College has thrived under his guidance. The process to find a replacement is underway.

“I was humbled to stand before all of you 10 years ago at this same event. I am humbled to stand before you today. I want you all to know that this will be my last year as president at Casper College,” an emotional Nolte told the audience of Casper College employees gathered for the all-school meeting held before the start of fall and spring semesters.

 

Nolte was given a standing ovation from the large crowd of employees following his short announcement. He then welcomed to the stage Casper College District Board of Trustees President, Charlie Robertson, and District Board of Trustees Vice President, Susan Miller, to the stage.

 

“Walt had the wisdom to let us know in advance, so that we were not caught off guard, so that we can formulate a plan to find the next president,” Robertson said. “That process starts on Thursday in an open board meeting where the board will meet to select the firm that will help us determine the next person to follow Walt,” Robertson added.

 

Nolte, who began at the college on July 1, 2004 following the retirement of LeRoy Strausner, leaves the college with a number of notable achievements during his tenure: the largest enrollment in college history; an increase in the number of full-time faculty; several years of record setting numbers of degrees and certificates awarded each year, most recently with 927 graduates in 2014; the recreation of a thriving continuing education program; new and successful efforts to engage students; the creation of the largest service learning program in the state; increased international students attending, as well as an increased number of international learning and travel experiences for Casper College students; four Fulbright Scholars teaching at the school during the last four years; and a dozen new programs, many of which added to the college’s need for increased space. That need, in part, resulted in the growth of the college’s physical campus with the addition of five new buildings: the Early Childhood Learning Center; the Gateway Building, the Casper College Student Union and University of Wyoming at Casper Building, the Music Building, and the Residence Hall.

 

The open board meeting, which is open to the public, will begin at 5 p.m. in Room 312 of the Gateway Building on the Casper College campus.

Enjoy your well-earned retirement, Dr. Nolte.