WNC news: Psychology instructor Gehman recognized for Best of Fallon award

Western Nevada College Psychology Instructor Teresa Gehman has been voted the Best College Professor in the Best of Fallon 2022 contest.

"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” Gehman said. “It is very meaningful to be recognized by students because they are what make my job so rewarding. There’s a saying that so often you find that the students you are trying to inspire are the ones that end up inspiring you. I have been blessed to have so many students who inspire me to continue being my best self and instructor. I truly appreciate the award."

Runner-up honors went to Eric Grimes, last year’s winner. Grimes represents WNC by teaching dual enrollment psychology classes at Oasis Academy.

Jolene Coverston, also a psychology instructor, was third in community-wide voting.

Other instructors nominated included Chemistry Professor Dr. Gary Evett, former Mathematics Professor Eric York and Biology Professor Holly O’Toole-Parker.

For a complete list of winners in the Best of Fallon 2022, go to https://www.nevadaappeal.com/bestoffallon2022/#/gallery?group=413598.

WNC students can apply for foundation scholarships

WNC Foundation has more than $800,000 in scholarship funding available for the 2023-24 academic year.

The only requirements are that students be enrolled in at least six units, have a minimum grade-point average of 2.0 and complete the application by April 1.

When students complete the 30-minute application, they will be considered for several hundred scholarships. Students can fill out the form at wnc.edu/scholarships.

Students who are training or planning to pursue a career in a technology-driven career are also encouraged to apply for the William N. Pennington Foundation Career and Technical Scholarship. WNC offers scholarship funding to students pursuing meaningful careers in fields such as computer information technology/cybersecurity, fire science, welding, automotive, machine tool technology, manufacturing, construction, truck driving, phlebotomy, nursing assistant and emergency medical services careers. Apply at wnc.edu/scholarships.

For information, contact the WNC Foundation at 775-445-3240.

Nursing program entrance exam dates announced

Dates for the Test of Essential Academic Skills for Western Nevada College’s nursing program applicants are underway.

Students can choose from examination dates including Jan. 26, Feb. 3, Feb. 24, March 3 and March 16. More exam date options will be offered in the winter and spring.

All of these testing dates are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Cedar Building 320 on the Carson City campus. Please check in at 8:30 a.m.

Students must complete the entrance exam no later than during April 1 to be considered for admissions into fall 2023.

For information, contact the Nursing and Allied Health office at 775-445-4425 or email nursing.alliedhealth@wnc.edu.

Register for spring semester

New students can apply for admission and take care of other preregistration requirements at wnc.edu/starthere/ in preparation for the start of spring semester on Monday, Jan. 23. For information on becoming a student, phone 775-445-3277.

Continuing and returning students can register for classes through their myWNC accounts.

A list of available courses can be found at wnc.edu/class-schedule.

To help with your academic planning, consult with an academic adviser by phoning Academic Advising & Access at 775-445-3267.

Children make fake snow in STEAM camps

WNC Fallon wrapped up its third-and-final STEAM Kids’ Camp of the Fall 2022 semester on Dec. 9. Twenty students from the Churchill County CAREs program participated in winter-themed science and art projects, including making fake snow, creating crystalized snowflakes and decorating sugar cookies.

Mineral County High School students tour WNC

Students in the Mineral County High School’s GEAR UP program recently toured WNC Fallon to learn about college programming and training for future careers.

They visited the Nursing Program lab, learned about Certified Nursing Assistant training and nursing program offerings. In addition, they received a brief tour and a lecture from Dr. Gary Evett about the William Pennington Foundation-funded Biology Lab, INBRE research opportunities, and the variety of course offerings and learning opportunities that the lab facilitates for regional students.

Of particular interest was the ability to deliver content remotely and to demonstrate lab activities to students at a distance in real time.

MCHS students also toured the Welding and Automotive shop and met with Jorgen Jeppeson, who also teaches the welding courses in the Hawthorne community. Jeppeson delivered an inspirational conversation about gaining independence and stability through taking workforce and skill courses and how these opportunities to learn have changed his and his students’ lives.

Students enjoy DeStress Events before finals

Fallon students enjoyed snacks, coffee, cocoa and relaxing crafts as they prepared for their final exams, thanks to support from student government group ASWN.

ASWN’s efforts to help students feel supported and connected have been gratefully received during this semester, and a warm smile and a hot cup of coffee has been a welcome counterpoint to the cold, gray winter weather.

“Thank you to the Associated Students of Western Nevada for helping our students keep up the good work!” said WNC Fallon Campus Director Jessica Rowe.