Dalpe named president at WNC

The interim president of Western Nevada College for the last year has been named to the position by The Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents.

Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe was approved as president at the board’s regular quarterly meeting March 10 in Las Vegas.

Regents approved the hiring 13-0 and Dalpe was given a standing ovation by regents and those in attendance.

Previously,

System Acting Chancellor Dale A.R. Erquiaga met with constituency groups at the college to guide him with his recommendation.

“I will say rarely, perhaps never, in my career have I had every type of employee classification and every level within the organization say such positive things about a leader,” Erquiaga said. “It was really rewarding to hear because my experiences with Dr. Dalpe have been incredibly positive, as I’ve worked with him as an individual and as a member of the council.”

Prior to the vote, the regents collectively spoke highly of Dalpe, including Regent Carol Del Carlo (District 9, which includes WNC) who is extremely visible on the WNC campus. Del Carlo made the motion to approve the acting chancellor’s recommendation.

“You are a terrific leader and truly have passion for your work as reflected in your focus on our students,” Del Carlo said. “You truly embrace the mission of a community college. With your deep breadth of knowledge of the budget and the legislature, I’m just excited to nominate you and watch you continue in your role. I can’t wait to see where you are going to take Western Nevada College.”

Dalpe has served as interim president for the past year. The appointment of Dalpe as WNC president means the board will forgo a national search. The agreement with Dalpe runs through March 9, 2027.

“I am honored to have been selected as the President of Western Nevada College and appreciate the support of the board, the chancellor and the campus,” Dalpe said. “I am excited to work with the faculty and staff to support student access and success as we build programs to meet the needs of our communities. Western Nevada College is more viable and visible than ever, and I am excited to lead this institution going forward.”

During the past year, Dalpe has supported student success at WNC with an increase in graduation rates; brought more visibility to the college with new signage, wayfinding and marketing; delivered a fresh college website to assist students in navigating college services and information; and supported a new enrollment application. In addition, the college continues to make positive strides on initiatives related to diversity, equity and inclusion, veteran’s services and student life experiences

While most higher education institutions were struggling with enrollment coming out of the health pandemic, Western saw an increase in enrollment headcount and full-time equivalency in Spring 2022 and again in Spring 2023.

Dalpe earned a bachelor of arts degree in photojournalism from the University of Connecticut; a master of arts degree in journalism, speech and political science from the University of Texas at Tyler; and a doctor of philosophy in educational leadership from the University of Nevada, Reno.