HLC Panel backs Williston State College expansion into Watford City
By M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
Higher Education in Watford City is poised for significant growth, as Williston State College (WSC) has received the green light from a Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Change Panel to open three new instructional locations in Watford City: the Bakken Area Skills Center, the Rough Rider Center, and Watford City High School. The news, delivered in official letters from the HLC, marks a major step forward in expanding access to higher education in the Bakken region.
Dr. Wayne Heckaman, Director of the Bakken Skills Center, shared the news with key stakeholders last week. Heckaman acknowledged the collaborative effort involved, stating, “This has been a tremendous effort by all to get us to this point.” Official HLC letters, addressed to Williston State College President Dr. Bernell Hirning, detail the approval recommendation for the three locations in Watford City, all slated to open in August of 2025
The HLC letters indicate that while the Change Panel has recommended approval, the final decision rests with the Institutional Actions Council (IAC). The letters outline the next steps in the process, stating, “The Institutional Actions Council (IAC), an HLC decision-making body, will act on this recommendation at an upcoming meeting and decide on a final action.”
While the final official action letter from the HLC is still forthcoming after the IAC meeting, the recommendation from the Change Panel signals a significant milestone for Williston State College and the Watford City community. The expansion promises to bring a wider array of educational opportunities closer to home for residents, potentially fueling workforce development and personal enrichment in the region.
Stakeholders have acknowledged the positive recommendation and expressed optimism about the final decision. The community now awaits the Institutional Actions Council’s final decision, eager for further details about the expanded educational opportunities from Williston State College here in Watford City.
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