Western Nebraska Community College Alumni Newsletter
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
KENT HARVEY
Coffee with Kent, written by Bradley Brown, current
WNCC student
Having a cup of coffee with Kent Harvey is
impossible. He knows so many people that no matter
the time or day someone is always coming by to say
“hi” or talk to him. Sometimes in life it’s a struggle
to find our purpose but for Kent, it was simple—he
chose to go to college. While taking a night class
at Chadron State he met Roger Green, a man who
would change his life forever. They become close
friends and Roger Green persuaded Kent to teach at
WNCC. So started a satisfying and lengthy 38 year
teaching career at WNCC. He has impacted over
10,000 students in that time and he will tell anyone
he had the best job in town.
Kent has had many successes in his teaching
career. For him the key to success is “don’t quit in
everything” and to “remain interested in life.” Kent
has many stories but one in particular illustrates the
impact Kent has made. He recalls a student who
always came to class, sat in the back and failed the
first mid-term exam. “At that point, I didn’t think too
much of it, but then she failed the next test, so I asked
her to see me after class.”
Through that conversation Kent discovered the
student could not read. He could have told her to
drop the class and that she wasn’t cut out for college,
but he didn’t - he set her up with a reading tutor and
helped her learn how to read. This student went on
to complete her GED and continue taking classes at
WNCC.
Kent brings great energy to everything he does and
it’s impossible not to like the guy, as evidenced by all
the interruptions during our interview. So if you ever
decide to have a cup of coffee with Kent, be prepared
for all the interruptions, but in the end it will be
worth it.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
POWERLINE
During the 2015-16 school year, WNCC will celebrate
the 10 year anniversary of the Powerline Construction
and Maintenance Technology program, located on the
Alliance Campus. “The Powerline program is a hidden
gem of technical trades,” commented instructor Ed
Salazar. Salazar began at WNCC in September of 2014
after 16 years of experience in the energy industry and
member of the International Brotherhood Electrical
Workers (IBEW) 111.
The success of the Powerline program can be attributed
to a strong course curriculum focused on the needs
of the industry and expert advisors that support the
college. Bi-annually an advisory committee comprised
of industry professionals consult WNCC staff and faculty
on new technology, regulations, and best practices
so that WNCC students are prepared for work in the
field. In just 12 months students can earn a diploma in
Powerline Construction & Maintenance Technology, or
complete an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in
15 months. This career is in high demand and offers great
wages as well. The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of
Labor Statistics reports that in 2012, the median pay for
Powerline Installers and Repairers was $58,210 per year.
Jobs for Powerline Installers and Repairers are projected
to grow by 7% in the next seven years.
For more information, contact Admissions at
308.635.6010 or email [email protected].