Western Nevada College is known for offering students an affordable and high quality education in a friendly, nurturing environment. But it has also been named one of the most attractive colleges in the United States. Affordableschools.net recently ranked WNC No. 8 in its list of the nation’s 30 Most Attractive Yet Affordable College Campuses.
On the list, WNC ranks ahead of such major universities as Texas A&M and Florida State. Great Basin College in Elko received a No. 16 ranking.
“It’s terrific to know that a quality education on a beautiful campus can still be available for the average person with an average salary,” said Tina McAdams, who represents Affordableschools.net.
All 30 institutions of higher learning that made the list have costs which rate below the national average. Citing statistics from the 2012-13 academic year, Affordable Schools reported first-time undergraduate students paid an average of $15,639 in tuition and fees per year and more than $29,000 when living expenses, such as room and board, were included.
In-state students at WNC paid $2,700 for tuition and fees for that school year, while nonresident undergraduates spent $9,345.
According to the Affordable Schools website, to qualify for the list, schools needed either tuition and fees or total cost below the national average. In addition, it was imperative the campuses appealed to the eyes, based on scenery, architecture and green spaces.
Accompanying WNC’s No. 8 ranking, Affordable Schools writer Luke Paton wrote:
“Lying on the eastern edge of the awe-inspiring Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Carson City, Nevada, main campus of Western Nevada College takes some beating in the beauty stakes. What’s more, with tuition having been set at only $2,700 for in-state students and $9,345 for non-resident undergraduates in 2012-13, prices are certainly competitive.”
Affordableschools.net also singled out three campus buildings as outstanding structures. One is the Jack C. Davis Observatory, which was built by community donations, and is open each Saturday evening for stargazing and frequent free lectures and children’s activities.
“Astronomy students can enjoy the curved Jack C. Davis Observatory, which opened in 2003, while the striking Donald W. Reynolds Center for Technology was completed 1999.” The Joe Dini Library and Student Center was singled out for being environmentally-sensitive building with recycled materials used during its construction. “Its neutral facade perfectly complements the surrounding landscape.” The buildings mentioned were designed by H+K Architects of Reno.
To see the entire list, go to: http://affordableschools.net/30-attractive-yet-affordable-college-campuses/
College welcomes new student life coordinator
Throughout most of her professional career in education, Lilly Leon-Vicks has vigorously worked with college students. She’s drawn to their energy, personal development and excitement.
As Western Nevada College’s new coordinator of student life, Leon-Vicks wants to play an instrumental role in helping students enjoy their college experience and grow from them.
“The Associated Students of Western Nevada is all about providing a really engaged, vibrant campus community … a place where you can just feel the hum of activity and excitement and are happy to come to work every day. She also values the opportunity “to develop leadership skills for students that are important in life management and career management as they move on to the next stage of their lives.
“I have a completely open-door policy,” Leon-Vicks said. “If I’m in the office, you are able to come on in. I genuinely value student input and hope to get to know them better and see if there is anything I can do to support them.”
Leon-Vicks will develop, organize and deliver programs to enhance and support student life and the overall WNC experience. She’ll support student services including activities, recreation and social and cultural resources while managing the Student Center.
In essence, Leon-Vicks wants to promote the intellectual, cultural, personal and social development of students through high-quality student life programs, training and events.
“It’s really an honor to be a spectator in someone’s life when they are going through this transition,” she said. “You cheer them on and you might coach them a little bit. It’s really exciting.
“Leon-Vicks said it’s important for a college to provide students with opportunities to make a difference on their own campus.
“They need opportunities to challenge their thinking and start to expand their world view. They need an opportunity to be responsible for real decision-making and really be able to affect things like policy and structure for the benefit of future students.”
Prior to coming to WNC, Leon-Vicks held a similar post at Millersville University in Millersville, Penn., and has worked at Eastern Connecticut State. University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and National Louis University, filling a variety of education roles.
Some of the honors that Leon-Vicks has received are the Rigoberta Menchu Appreciation Award, Black Student Union President’s Award, Dimon Distinguished Community School (Illinois), Outstanding Volunteer Bronzeville Community Action Council and Kennedy King College Service Award.
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