RANGELY — A new two-year business and banking degree program is available now at Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC). Students interested in the banking field can earn an associate’s degree through the program, which will be offered at all five CNCC locations in western Colorado, as well as online.
“This program is the brainchild of First National Bank of the Rockies president Pete Waller,” said John Boyd, CNCC president. “He approached me with the idea to meet the increasing need for banking professionals in the industry. Within six months, we had a program developed and ready for approval.”
The program provides students with courses that address business statistics, principles of banking, principles of finance, and how financial information impacts the banking industry. “We’re excited about being able to provide this opportunity for students in our region for the first time,” Boyd said, “and for those who already have degrees, or are not seeking the degree, we offer a banking certificate that can be completed in one semester.”
“We recognized that there is a lack of formal education available in our region that is specific to the banking industry,” Waller said. “Because CNCC has campuses and satellite facilities throughout our marketplace, it made sense to help them initiate this specialized program. In addition, the banking program aligns with our commitment to financial literacy and education.”
“This program is for high school graduates, non-traditional students and current bank employees looking to develop professionally,”explained Kathy Powell, business and banking department chair. “We strive to fit the needs of our students by offering classes at night, online and on weekends.”
Powell, with an MA in business education, has been teaching higher education for more than 17 years.
“A lot of the classes offered in the banking program are general business classes, so they can transfer into other programs of interest,” she said.
According to Boyd, Waller and other officers from First National Bank of the Rockies worked closely with college officials to develop the curriculum. “Mr. Waller’s expertise and his vast experience in the banking industry were crucial to putting together the proper courses,” Boyd said.
CNCC offers the business and banking courses through its main campuses in Rangely and Craig, as well as their satellite facilities in Meeker, Hayden and Oak Creek. The program is also available online to students in other communities.
To register, call (970) 824-1100. For more information about the program, contact program director Kathy Powell at (970) 824-1112.
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