We are the Wyoming Association of Community College Trustees – WACCT; we are one unified voice for Wyoming’s community colleges
About Wacct
WACCT is a nonprofit, 501(c)(6) organization of community college governing boards, representing 56 elected trustees who govern Wyoming’s eight community colleges. Our trustees serve as members and work collaboratively with the college presidents. Erin Taylor serves as our Executive Director.
Our mission is to present a unified vision and voice on behalf of the eight Wyoming community colleges boards of trustees, to promote their mutual interests in continued quality, strength, vitality, leadership development, and effectiveness of its member colleges.
The Wacct Team
Board Officers
Input and representation for all Wyoming community colleges are essential elements of WACCT’s success in advocacy and education. Our governing board is designed to ensure that each college is represented and that the needs of our member trustees are met.
The WACCT governing board is made up of two trustees from each college. Board members are selected by their colleges’ Board of Trustees.
Don Erickson
President
Laramie County
Community College
Mark Wurzel
Vice President
Northwest College
Craig Tolman
Secretary
Central Wyoming College
Larry Smith
Treasurer
Gillette College
Board Members
David Applegate
Casper College
Ernie Over
Central Wyoming College
Doug Mercer
Eastern Wyoming College
Katherine Patrick
Eastern Wyoming College
Ellis Day
Gillette College
Bob Salazar
Laramie County Community College
Tara Kuipers
Northwest College
Elaine Henry
Sheridan College
Tracy Swanson
Sheridan College
Jim Jessen
Western Wyoming Community College
WACCT Staff
Erin Taylor
Executive Director
Erin Taylor of Taylor Strategies & Consulting, LLC, Cheyenne, has more than 20 years of experience working in the public policy arena at the federal, state, and local levels. She earned an undergraduate in economics and her Master of Science in regulatory and environmental economics from the University of Wyoming.
Erin has received several prestigious awards and recognitions over the term of her career, including:
- Wyoming Capitol Club Lobbyist of the Year, 2022
- President, Wyoming Business Alliance, 2020-2021
- Vice President, Wyoming Business Alliance, 2018-2020
- Wyoming Business Report’s Women of Influence Award-Nonprofit Category, 2013
- Delegate to the American Council of Young Political Leaders exchange to Pakistan and India, 2011
- Served Governor appointments to the Wyoming Arts Council and Wyoming Lottery Corporation
- Graduate of the Institute of Organizational Management, a professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2011
- Nominated to attend U.S. Senate Women’s Leadership Summit, 2008
- Named one of Wyoming’s 40 Under 40, 2008
- Nominated to attend U.S. Senate Leadership Summit for Young Professionals, 2006
- Graduate of Leadership Wyoming, 2006
In her role at WACCT, Erin works tirelessly to elevate the awareness of Wyoming’s Community Colleges and advocate for their needs.
Get to Know Wyoming’s Community Colleges
Learn more about each college’s priorities, programs, and points of interest.
Casper College is one of the largest and most comprehensive community colleges in the region, with more than 140 academic transfer and technical career programs, and 147 degree and certificate programs.
With a main campus in Riverton and outreach centers in Lander, Jackson, and Dubois, Central Wyoming College offers certificate programs, associate’s and bachelor’s degrees.
Located in Torrington with outreach programs in Converse, Crook, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston counties, Eastern Wyoming College offers programs aimed at helping students learn a new career or transfer to a four-year program.
Gillette College has 30+ academic programs to choose from and they strongly encourage connection with local businesses for career opportunities.
With campuses in Cheyenne and Laramie and an outreach center in Pine Bluffs, Laramie County Community College offers a wide range of academic, career / technical, and community education programs.
Sheridan College ties their academic priorities to the local economy and community, maintaining a strong commitment to programs that fulfill the needs of industries in the region.
Located in Powell with an outreach center in Cody, Northwest College offers a variety of academic programs and activities, as well as career advising.
Located in Rock Springs, Western Wyoming Community College offers two-year transfer degrees, two-year occupational degrees, and 1- and 2-semester occupational certificates for those who want to learn new skills or plan to directly enter the workforce.