Laramie County Community College Board of Trustees Approves Intent to Change College Name

CHEYENNE, Wyoming – Laramie County Community College (LCCC) is preparing for a historic milestone in its nearly 60-year history. At the Sept. 17 board meeting, the LCCC Board of Trustees voted to formally adopt an intent to change the college’s name and directed President Dr. Joe Schaffer to lead the process of identifying a new name and developing a timeline for implementing the change.

This action follows more than two years of careful study and broad engagement. Independent research by the companies Carnegie (formerly CLARUS) and Epicosity included brand-awareness surveys, focus groups and public input across Wyoming, northern Colorado and neighboring states. Results showed strong pride in the college’s mission and programs but also persistent confusion about the current name and the college’s location, particularly with respondents outside Wyoming. Many respondents indicated  a new name could improve location clarity, broaden appeal and better reflect LCCC’s evolving role in workforce training, academic offerings, and campus environment.

“LCCC has earned a reputation for excellence, innovation and student success,” said Dr. Joe Schaffer, LCCC president. “But we have also heard - loud and clear - that our name sometimes gets in the way of people understanding who we are and where we are. By moving forward with a name change, we are building on our strengths and positioning the College to pull from a broader market to serve the next generation of students and employers.”

The College’s strategic plan includes a goal focused on becoming one of the best known higher-education values within 350 miles of Cheyenne. To accomplish this goal the college is committed to ensuring that prospective students, families and employers have a clear understanding of the institutions brand promise. “LCCC’s mission reaches far beyond our Cheyenne campus,” shared Janine Thompson, LCCC Board of Trustees Chairwomen. “Choosing a name that resonates across state lines as much as it does here locally is an essential step in advancing educational access, workforce development, and the economic vitality of our entire region.”

Going forward, LCCC will engage in an inclusive process to identify options for names, invite broad input and prepare a detailed budget and timeline for the naming process. The Board will consider these elements before finalizing a new name and making the change. The college expects to share opportunities for students, employees, alumni and the public to provide ideas and feedback.