Aliesia Berryman

Chinook Writer 

University of Wyoming at Casper (UW-C) is aiming to close the higher education gap for Casper locals. A higher education isn’t always easily attainable for everyone who desires to pursue a degree. Single parents, full-time workers, and caregivers for aging family members must overcome significant hurdles in order to attend college.

Valorie LeeLyman Garrett is the Academic Advising Professional of UW-C and considers herself the “one-stop shop” for students. She helps with advising, planning, registration, and so much more. Garrett herself is an alum of both Casper College and UW-C.

When she pursued her degree as a single mother and could not relocate to Laramie to pursue a Bachelors. UW-Casper provided exactly what she needed. She graduated with a bachelors in biology in 2015 along with her two associate degrees from CC. She is currently pursuing her Masters online through University of Wyoming.

 She said, “This experience allowed me to better relate to the student population we serve at UW-Casper because I have walked in their shoes.”

According to UW-C dean, Brett Pickett, Ph. D., historically speaking, the majority of students are elementary education students. He also said that the majority of elementary teachers in Casper today received their degree at UW-C. Additionally, a popular, up-and-coming organizational leadership degree is 100% online.

When Garrett walked through the halls of UW-C she spoke passionately about each unique room. Classrooms and offices for UW-C are located on the upper floor of CC’s union building.

She said, “We mainly have non-traditional or online students so each room is built in with the technology to conduct zoom based classes.” 

Classrooms are equipped with cameras on both sides of the room allowing students attending online to really feel like they are in the classroom. In-person students get microphones that they can turn on when they would like to speak, and off when they are done. 

As a UW-C student, one can participate in all organizations and events hosted through CC as well as any clubs offered through UW-C. Garrett affectionately refers to this as, “Double-love.” All clubs and programs are student-led and student-driven. She said the social work club is the most popular. 

Another benefit of attending UW-C is the financial assistance that students can receive through scholarships and the work-study program. Jessica Steward, once a work-study student herself, is the Program Coordinator for the school. Work study students do projects that benefit the school based on their preferences.

 “We meet bi-monthly to finetune any projects they are working on,” said Steward. 

UW-C offers scholarships tailored to its non-traditional and transfer student body. A smaller student body (just under 400 compared to upwards of 4,000) means better chances at winning them! 

Students who go to UW-C enjoy a school that is built for their success. The classrooms are big and bright, creating an environment for open minds and creative thinking. 

Intimate classes build lifelong friendships and memories, and the carefully vetted teachers and staff make it their goals to ensure the students are getting the personal attention they deserve.