CHEYENNE, Wyo. — In this edition of “Meet the Candidates,” Bob Salazar shares with Cap City News how he envisions serving Laramie County Community College if elected as a board trustee. Salazar is one of six people running for the board. Four seats are open.
The following are responses that Salazar 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?
Supporting the development of key programs like healthcare and advanced manufacturing requires more than just having innovative ideas — it involves advocacy, collaboration, and securing essential resources. Here’s how I plan to support these initiatives:
Advanced Manufacturing:
- Current initiatives in this area demand more than just program creation; they require active advocacy for funding.
- Securing the necessary resources is vital. We need to advocate at the state level to ensure we have the funding to bring these programs to life and make them successful.
- As one of the two LCCC trustees involved with the Wyoming Association of Community College Trustees (WACCT), I work alongside other trustees across the state to engage legislators directly about the importance of funding these initiatives.
Healthcare:
- Expanding healthcare programs, while supported, remains a challenge due to resource constraints, particularly in finding enough clinical locations for students.
- To address this, I believe it’s essential to collaborate with regional partners, including those in adjacent states, to expand opportunities for clinical placements and program growth in areas like nursing and dental hygiene.
- Attracting and retaining best-in-class instructors is also a priority. While LCCC’s current healthcare faculty is highly capable, continuing to bring in top talent will ensure we provide the highest quality education.
In both areas, advocacy at the state level, securing resources, and working with partners are the key components to aligning LCCC’s academic programs with Wyoming’s workforce needs.
What strategies would you propose to increase student enrollment at LCCC, especially given demographic shifts and declining high school graduates?
With fewer high school graduates, LCCC needs to adapt to reach a wider range of students. Here are a few strategies I propose:
- Focus on Non-Traditional Students: We should target adults looking to change careers, veterans, and those needing workforce training. Offering flexible options like evening classes, online courses, and shorter certificate programs will help attract these students.
- Partner with Local Businesses: By working with local employers to offer workforce training and job placement programs, we can help people in the community advance their careers. These partnerships will also ensure our programs align with job market needs.
- Increase Dual Enrollment: Expanding dual enrollment for high school students, allowing them to earn college credits while still in school, helps them get ahead. These no-cost programs will encourage students to continue their education at LCCC.
- Improve Retention: Supporting current students is key. We can do this by offering more tutoring, advising, and mental health services, helping them stay on track. The Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) tool helps Student Success Coaches track and support students, so they don’t fall behind.
- Boost Marketing: We need to promote LCCC’s affordability, transfer options to the University of Wyoming, and innovative programs that attract students from adjacent states. These programs will also serve our local Laramie County and Wyoming students, helping them see LCCC as the best option.
By focusing on these strategies, we can increase enrollment and keep LCCC strong for our community.
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?
Becoming a finalist for the Aspen Prize is an ambitious goal, requiring cultural shifts in how and whom we serve. The Unlocking Opportunity initiative is already setting the foundation. Here are the key steps I would advocate for:
- Emphasize Student Outcomes: Focus on ensuring every student earns a degree or workforce credential that leads to a family-sustaining wage. We must align our programs with current job market demands and set high goals for student success.
- Expand Access and Remove Barriers: Many students face obstacles beyond their control. These capable and qualified students need help navigating the system. By addressing financial barriers, improving advising, and removing roadblocks, we can help them succeed.
- Strengthen Program Partnerships: Collaborating with local industries to create pathways from education to employment will enhance LCCC’s role in workforce development and build stronger transfer relationships with four-year institutions.
- Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Institutionalizing reforms is key to becoming an Aspen Prize finalist. By embedding improvements in the college culture, we ensure they are sustainable and long-lasting.
Through these steps — expanding access, improving student success, and institutionalizing key reforms — LCCC will continue building a reputation aligned with the Aspen Prize standards.
What specific measures will you implement to ensure LCCC achieves equitable outcomes for all student populations, particularly those from underserved communities?
For me, it’s about making sure that under-served doesn’t mean undeserving.
Even when students from under-served communities are fully capable, they often face barriers — whether financial or procedural — that hold them back. We need to remove those obstacles and offer stronger advising and support.
As mentioned in my earlier responses, focusing on helping students navigate the system will ensure they complete their programs and get the opportunities they deserve.
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?
LCCC’s funding relies on the WCCC’s model, where about 60% comes from the state, with the rest from county mill levies and student tuition. While this model works, it can be challenging, especially with reliance on the mineral industry. I believe we need to keep exploring new funding options. It’s promising that the Wyoming Legislature, through the Joint Education Committee (JEC), is starting to listen to our needs. At least now, community colleges have a forum to make the case for the resources we need to serve the state.
We also need to pursue grants and partnerships wherever possible to help reduce our reliance on state funding.
Is there anything else you’d like voters to know about you?
I want voters to know that I’m deeply committed to the success of LCCC and our community. Having lived in Wyoming for most of my life, I understand the unique needs of our region.
I’ve worked on initiatives that put students first, and I’m not afraid to tackle tough challenges.
I also believe in being prudent with any and all funds the college receives, no matter the source, to ensure we use our resources wisely and for the greatest impact.