Western Wyoming College Health Wing Sees Steady Progress

Western Wyoming Community College Health Science Wing Construction On Track for 2026 Completion

Construction is well underway at Western Wyoming Community College on a new $11.1 million Health Science wing, with the project making “steady progress” toward its scheduled August 2026 completion. According to an Aug. 4 update, the 10,100+ square-foot facility will significantly expand healthcare training capacity in Rock Springs and support up to 200 students annually across the college’s nursing, nurse assistant, and phlebotomy programs.

The west-side campus expansion was launched in May 2024 and is rooted in both strategic workforce goals and accreditation needs. A 2020 Level II facilities study and guidance from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) emphasized the necessity of upgraded, dedicated space for health programs.

“We are pleased with the progress on this facility," said Western President Kirk Young.

"We are very optimistic about the impact this facility will have on our abilities to meet the region’s healthcare training needs.”

The project is partially funded by a $3 million federal grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), awarded under the Assistance to Coal Communities initiative, alongside contributions from state and college resources.

It also aligns with Governor Mark Gordon’s Wyoming Innovation Partnership, a statewide initiative to build rural workforce pipelines—especially in healthcare fields where demand is outpacing supply.

Construction Progress and Project Milestones

Since breaking ground, the project has moved through several major phases:

• Excavation and new sewer line installation were completed over the winter.
• Concrete footings, foundations, and mechanical floors were poured.
• A skylight was removed and patched, allowing seamless integration with the existing building.
• Interior demolition work prepared the current structure for expansion.
• HVAC equipment has been installed in the basement, and underground electrical and plumbing systems are in place.
• Structural steel and wooden trusses have been erected.
• Flooring preparation is complete.

Currently, the project is in the “rough construction” phase, which includes:

• Framing
• Rough-in installation for HVAC and piping
• Exposed trusses and steel framing
• Fireproofing and exterior sheeting

By the end of summer 2025, the college anticipates several visible achievements:

• Completion of the building’s exterior façade, including brick and stucco finishes
• Installation of sidewalks
• The building achieving “water-tight” status
• Early interior finishing, such as wall texturing and ceiling systems

Art, Access, and Community Integration

In addition to its academic function, the new wing is being designed as a hub for healing, innovation, and community connection. The Wyoming Arts Council has issued a call for artist proposals to create public artworks for the space, with selected pieces to be installed in the lobby, shared study areas, and outdoor plaza. The submission deadline is August 31, 2025.

During construction, campus accessibility has been adjusted. The west entrance remains closed, though the parking lot remains open. Visitors and students needing west-side access should use the doors near the Wellbeing and Accessibility Office. A detailed campus map is available at westernwyoming.edu/map.

To follow project updates, visit: westernwyoming.edu/healthscience

Originally reported by Wyoming News.