(Jackson, WY) – Central Wyoming College (CWC) is excited to announce the appointment of Sandy Chio as the new dean of its Jackson campus, effective June 17, 2024.
Chio brings more than 20 years of experience in education, marketing, and leadership within the education, ski tourism industry and the nonprofit sectors, making her a valuable asset to the Central Wyoming College team. She holds an MBA from the University of Washington and has served as the Chief Business Officer at Teton Science School in Jackson, Wyo. and Admissions & Marketing Director at NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) in Lander, Wyo.
Her extensive background in organizational leadership and community engagement places her in a position to lead the Jackson campus in providing exceptional educational opportunities and fostering community partnerships.
“Sandy’s innovative approach to leadership and her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve our students in Jackson,” says Dr. Kathy Wells, Vice President for academic affairs at CWC. ”We are excited to see the positive impact she will undoubtedly have on our campus and the broader community.”
The Jackson campus of Central Wyoming College has long been recognized for its commitment to academic excellence. As Chio steps into her role as dean, she brings a vision to not only enhance current programs but also introduce new initiatives tailored to meet the evolving needs of our local community.
Chio is renowned for her collaborative leadership style and adeptness in fostering strong relationships. Her career highlights include developing impactful programs that enhance community engagement and organizational success, notably contributing to significant improvements in student recruitment and visibility during her tenure at TSS and NOLS.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sandy Chio to Central Wyoming College,” says Brad Tyndall, President of Central Wyoming College. “Her vision and proven leadership skills will be invaluable as we look to expand our outreach and impact in the Jackson community. I am confident she will drive our campus forward with great success.”
In her new role, Chio will oversee academic and operational aspects of the Jackson campus, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education and services to students. She will also play a key role in developing new programs and partnerships that align with the needs of the local community and the strategic goals of Central Wyoming College.
“I am honored to join Central Wyoming College and lead the Jackson campus,” says Chio. “I look forward to working with the talented faculty, staff, and students to build on the campus’s strong foundation.”
One of Chio’s immediate goals is to strengthen the campus’s ties with local businesses and organizations. By fostering these partnerships, she aims to create more opportunities for internships, job placements, and collaborative projects that benefit both students and the community.
Additionally, she plans to expand the campus’s outreach efforts to ensure that more residents of Jackson and the surrounding areas are aware of the educational opportunities available at CWC.
“Community engagement is a cornerstone of my educational philosophy,” Chio said. “I believe that a college should not only educate students but also serve as a resource and partner for the local community. I am committed to making the Jackson campus a vibrant center for learning and collaboration.”
Central Wyoming College offers a wide range of educational opportunities through its Jackson campus, including associate degrees, certificate programs, and community education courses.
These offerings are designed to meet the diverse needs of the local community. CWC is committed to fostering student success and community development through accessible, affordable, and high-quality education.
Central Wyoming College’s mission is to transform lives and strengthen communities through learning, leadership and connection. The college includes a main campus in Riverton, an outreach center, the Alpine Science Institute in Lander, and outreach centers in Jackson and Dubois. CWC is a designated Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution (NASNTI) and serves the largest American Indian student population in Wyoming.