[3] Through the efforts of a citizens’ committee, a campaign was begun, an election was held, and Western and the original district were created.

In September of 1959, forty students enrolled for college credit courses with five full-time faculty teaching during the evening.

Western was granted accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in April 1976.

The Rock Springs Daily Rocket-Miner advocated the expanded campus through the work of its late publisher, Charles E. Richardson.

[8] In January 2024 the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded a $3 million grant to Western for construction of a Health Science wing.

These figures include all students – varying ages and interests, enrolled in the credit, non-credit and extension programs.

[3] The boundaries of the college district, with those of the county, enclose 10,473 square miles (27,120 km2) in the southwestern part of the state.

Western serves Carbon, Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, and Uinta counties, covering just over 29,000 square miles.

Green River, which is located approximately 12 miles (19 km) west of the main campus site, together with Rock Springs, comprises the fourth largest population center in the State of Wyoming.

These degrees offer transfer opportunities for students who plan to pursue a baccalaureate or the ability to earn occupational degrees, and occupational certificates for students who plan to directly enter the workforce or who want to learn new skills or brush up on others.