Two Western Nevada College instructors get tenure

Western Nevada College’s tenure appointees for 2024 followed similar higher education and workplace journeys, and each has served their country.

Nursing instructor Robert Ciminski and construction project management instructor Nigel Harrison graduated from WNC, then came back to teach at their alma mater. March 7, their tenure appointments were approved by the Nevada System of Higher Education regents in Las Vegas.

Robert Ciminski graduated from Western Nevada College’s nursing program in 2013. After working for Renown Health and the state of Nevada, Ciminski is teaching nursing students at his alma mater. 

Ciminski graduated from WNC’s nursing program in 2013, then was accepted into Renown's nursing telemetry internship, where he worked in acute care with patients with severe cardiac and cardiac-related problems.

Ciminski then worked at Renown's Institute for Heart and Vascular Health as an outpatient cardiac nurse for the Reno and Gardnerville areas. Before his return to WNC to teach nursing students, Ciminski worked for the state of Nevada in public mental health.

Prior to going into higher education, Ciminski served in the U.S. Navy.

Harrison earned a bachelor’s degree in construction project management from WNC and a master’s degree in education from the University of Nevada, Reno. He has also served in the Nevada Army National Guard for nearly 22 years, with countless hours flying Black Hawks. Harrison is an authorized OSHA trainer in both general industry and construction.

Tenure at NSHE institutions is based on a multi-layer evaluation process from tenured colleagues and directors. Pre-tenure faculty apply for tenure after at least three years and an excellent teaching rating.

For information, call 775-445-3000 or visit www.wnc.edu