RANGELY | Each June, we at the College reflect on the achievements of our students, celebrate the excitement and pageantry of commencement, and share updates on what’s next in the lives of our graduates.
CNCC’s Aviation Flight Program is one of the college’s pride and joys. According to the National Intercollegiate Flight Association’s judges at the 2025 SAFECON competition, CNCC is ranked #1 in the country among two-year flight programs! The competition, held in May, saw CNCC scoring higher than eight four-year colleges and universities, receiving top-tier scores in various areas.
At the Wings ceremony, aviation students were awarded certificates in multiple categories, with nearly 50% earning private or commercial pilot’s licenses. Additionally, five students received certified flight instructor licenses.
CNCC operates one of only six Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academies in the country. Among its Spring semester completers, four received job offers prior to graduation to work as federal rangers in our national parks, and three will become law enforcement officers in Alaska and Colorado.
Ranked among the highest academic programs nationally is our Dental Hygiene program. Among our 22 graduates, 13 were hired before commencement, with an additional six planning to enroll in the college’s bachelor’s in dental hygiene program in the fall. CNCC accepts students into this program who have completed an associate’s degree in dental hygiene from any regionally accredited college; they do not have to be CNCC graduates.
The bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene at CNCC is unique in that all students will have a one-week service abroad experience as part of its capstone. At its May 2025 commencement exercises, CNCC graduated its first baccalaureate class comprised of dental hygiene completers.
CNCC’s nursing students participated in their annual pinning ceremony and were honored as part of the college’s 20th graduating class. Most students plan to go straight to work, while several are pursuing a BSN.
On May 30, 2025, CNCC was informed that it received the 2025 Governor’s Award for Institutional Advancement for achieving zero textbook costs for its students.
As summer approaches, we at CNCC will begin planning and preparing for the new academic year. Additionally, we look forward to launching our new radiologic tech program and archery in Craig, as well as cross country and men’s wrestling in Rangely.
The college is also working hard to finalize plans for its second annual Spartan Scramble golf tournament, scheduled for June 29, 2025, at the Yampa Valley Golf Course. If you are interested in sponsoring or entering a team, please visit https://cncc.edu/about/foundation/foundation-events for more information.
We wish each of you a wonderful, healthy and happy end of spring and delightful start to summer on the Western Slope.
By Dr. LISA JONES
CNCC PRESIDENT