About the Episode
About the Episode: In this episode of Visionary Voices Central Wyoming College leaders, President Brad Tyndall and Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Corlina Daly, discuss the college's designation as a Native American serving non-tribal institution and its impact on their mission and approach to student success. They also talk about the development of a bachelor's degree in tribal leadership and how it aligns with the college's mission. The conversation then shifts to initiatives for supporting student success, including embedded tutoring and an online mental health platform. The importance of collaboration and the college's involvement with the Alliance for Innovation and Transformation (AFIT) is also highlighted. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring leaders and the leaders selecting their song for the Visionary Voices Spotify playlist.
Key Takeaways
- Commitment to Serving Native American Students: CWC’s designation as a Native American-serving institution informs its mission and outreach, providing tailored support to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Tribal Leadership: This degree, born from tribal input, empowers future leaders with skills in organizational management and leadership tailored to the needs of the reservation community.
- Success Initiatives and Holistic Student Support: With programs like embedded tutoring, a dedicated Native American student success coordinator, and mental health resources, CWC prioritizes student well-being and academic success.
- Innovation through AFIT Partnership: CWC’s collaboration with the Alliance for Innovation and Transformation (AFIT) drives big-picture thinking, helping the college pursue ambitious initiatives like Success Net, an AI-based student support system.
Episode Summary
What is Central Wyoming College’s Approach to Serving Native American Students?
Central Wyoming College proudly serves as a Native American-serving, non-tribal institution, focusing on students from the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Cory Daly, VP of Student Affairs, describes the honor and responsibility of supporting students from these sovereign nations. Because CWC is located in an education desert, the college has a unique duty to offer accessible education and resources to remote and underserved communities.
In line with this mission, CWC established the Wind River Outreach Center on the reservation, staffed to provide immediate support and reduce transportation barriers. The college also employs a dedicated Native American student success coordinator who acts as both an advisor and cultural liaison, helping students navigate the blend of their traditions with Western educational structures. This support aims to build trust and create a culturally inclusive environment where students feel a true sense of belonging.
How Did CWC Develop Its Bachelor’s Degree in Tribal Leadership?
The Bachelor’s Degree in Tribal Leadership is a direct response to the needs of the tribal community and represents CWC’s commitment to education for the reservation. President Brad Tyndall explains that the degree, officially titled a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership with a focus on Tribal Leadership, emerged from tribal feedback. The degree curriculum centers on governance, Indian law, economic development, and community building, all of which are crucial for leading and supporting the reservation’s growth.
In addition to providing leadership training, the program addresses the unique needs of Native American students, balancing Western leadership concepts with culturally relevant learning. This initiative not only fills a critical gap for the two tribes but also reinforces the college’s role in supporting community-driven education.
What Student Success Programs and Resources Has CWC Implemented?
CWC has implemented a range of initiatives to support student retention, completion, and well-being. Cory Daly shares several key programs, including embedded tutoring, where peer tutors are placed in math classes to assist students directly and encourage them to access additional support services. Math is often a significant barrier to student progression, so having an embedded tutor available increases student engagement and reduces dropout rates.
The college also recently introduced an online mental health platform that offers teletherapy and wellness resources. Given the ongoing mental health challenges faced by college students, CWC prioritizes accessible mental health services, especially for remote and non-traditional students. Additionally, the college supports food security through on-campus pantries and career services, which help students balance their academic and personal lives.
What is Success Net, and How is CWC Using AI to Support Students?
Success Net is a project that CWC developed with inspiration from the Alliance for Innovation and Transformation (AFIT). This AI-driven platform, incorporating a web bot and texting capabilities, allows the college to engage with students more effectively. Success Net can answer common questions like, “When is my next class?” or “Who is my advisor?” This AI support helps students navigate administrative processes and stay on track with nudges and reminders.
Success Net provides a “safety net” by ensuring students feel informed and connected to resources in real time, no matter where they are. With AI’s ability to track student engagement, Success Net allows CWC to reach students who may be disengaged or unaware of available resources, ultimately helping to boost retention.
How Does CWC Embrace Transformational Thinking and Collaboration?
CWC has committed to transformational rather than incremental change, embracing big ideas to improve student outcomes. As a member of AFIT, the college is focused on rethinking traditional community college models. President Tyndall emphasizes that innovation at CWC extends beyond “tweaks”—it’s about reimagining education to address the realities faced by its diverse, often at-risk student body.
For example, CWC’s collaboration with tribal communities involves extensive listening and adaptation to meet tribal expectations, building what Tyndall describes as a “family unit” structure. This collaborative process includes partnering with tribal leaders and elders, integrating cultural awareness into the curriculum, and investing in initiatives that align with the needs of the community, such as the Tribal Wisdom Society, a mentorship-based society aimed at instilling a sense of belonging and purpose in Native American students.
What Advice Do CWC’s Leaders Offer Aspiring Higher Education Professionals?
For aspiring higher education leaders, both Tyndall and Daly highlight the importance of listening and thinking big. Cory Daly suggests becoming attuned to the ecosystem of student needs, raising your hand for leadership opportunities, and understanding the nuances of each student’s journey. Brad Tyndall advises leaders to constantly push the boundaries of traditional thinking, challenging themselves and their teams to consider what holistic support truly means. He also underscores the importance of partnerships and collaboration, noting that colleges need to support their students by actively building networks and ecosystems around them.
About the Show: This show explores a range of critical topics, from navigating financial challenges and embracing technological innovation to fostering student success and promoting diversity and inclusion. Featuring in-depth case studies and a focus on transformative strategies, the podcast is a valuable resource for current and aspiring leaders in academia, offering a playbook of visionary ideas and practical solutions for the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.
Connect With Our Host:
Dr. Bryan Gross
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-j-gross/
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