CHEYENNE, Wyo. — In this edition of “Meet the Candidates,” Don Erickson shares with Cap City News how he envisions serving Laramie County Community College if elected as a board trustee. Erickson is one of six people running for the board. Four seats are open.
The following are responses that Erickson shared with Cap City News. To view Q&As of other candidates in the general election, click here.
How do you plan to support the development of academic programs that align with Wyoming’s workforce needs, such as healthcare and advanced manufacturing?
Healthcare and manufacturing careers are priories for LCCC. We have a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing program and heath careers training is highly attended. The state Legislature and Governor have financially supported workforce development and training.
What strategies would you propose to increase student enrollment at LCCC, especially given demographic shifts and declining high school graduates?
LCCC has an aggressive marketing effort. A few years ago. the trustees approved a Strategic Enrollment Management Program. The Covid years saw a reduction in enrollment. LCCC enrollment numbers are on the rise. We still have work to do however.
What specific steps would you advocate for to raise LCCC’s reputation within the region and help the college become a finalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence by 2030?
LCCC has a good reputation in Cheyenne and Laramie County. Our marketing efforts focus on LCCC awareness in northern Colorado and western Nebraska. LCCC is one of twenty-five colleges nationwide selected to participate in the Aspen (Prize). The professional staff and faculty are actively engaged in efforts to win $1,000,000.
What specific measures will you implement to ensure LCCC achieves equitable outcomes for all student populations, particularly those from underserved communities?
LCCC has numerous financial resources to address financial needs of our students. The financial department actively works for all students who apply.
How will you address LCCC’s reliance on state funding, which is affected by Wyoming’s mineral industry, and what alternative revenue sources do you propose?
The Governor and Legislature have historically financed Wyoming Community Colleges as they do K–12 and the University of Wyoming. I will continue to advocate for LCCC.
Is there anything else you’d like voters to know about you?
I am one of seven Trustees. We are committed to student success: retention, persistence and graduation. As a former Mayor of Cheyenne, I am proud of the continuing taxpayer support for LCCC. I am currently the Board Treasurer. As Treasurer, I can assure the voters that the Trustees are efficiently monitoring finances and approving policies which are in the best interest of Laramie County.
