Due to recent expansions, Western Nebraska Community College welcomes several new
faculty this year, as well as introduces staff members into new positions. Among these
new leaders are Surgical Technology Director Robert Frey, Nursing Education Director
Rebecca Kautz, Emergency Medical Services Director Cheng Wei Kow, and Educational
Outreach Program Director Mary Kay Versen.
Also joining WNCC are a group of highly qualified instructors including Chemistry
Instructor Subedi Harishchandra, two new nursing instructors, Jan Judy and Shelly
Luger, and Vocal Music Instructor Imgyu Kang following Rita Stinner's retirement this
past spring. Three other new instructors include Speech Instructor William Sheffield,
Math Instructor Andrew Shiers, and Theater Instructor Robert Thompson.
President Todd Holcomb is also enthusiastic to announce that he recently filled a
faculty position focused on training students for careers in trades and the technical
industries. Russell Pontarolo, a Certified Welding Inspector & Certified Welding Educator,
joins WNCC following a 15-year career training and teaching for Eastern Wyoming College.
His background includes working with management at Aulick Industries as an Assistant
Prototype Supervisor and Specialty Fabricator. He also spent about a year in management
with Heggem Construction, where he managed training and supervision of welders and
helped them gain certification by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).
Pontarolo was born in Scottsbluff and raised on a ranch in Goshen County, Wyoming.
"WNCC has a great reputation and has stood the test of time as a staple in the community
in its technical and trade offerings," says Pontarolo. "WNCC is growing and has many
new things coming in the future as far as technology and trades, and I wanted to be
part of that excitement and positive growth!"
"We are excited about the new faculty's commitment to the Panhandle and student success,"
adds Holcomb. "We're off to a great start for the new school year thanks to our dedicated
faculty and staff."
For more information about career opportunities at WNCC, please call 308.635.6105.