Black named new WNC Fallon director

Sherry Black, who has been with Western Nevada College since 1987, has been named the new director of the Fallon Campus.

Currently, Black serves as director of Career and Technical Education, a position she assumed in 2013.

WNC President Chet Burton said Thursday Black’s new assignment officially begins at the start of the spring semester.

Burton said he based Black’s appointment on the needs in a two-county area.

“I received feedback from the community, and the ROCCC (Restore Our College Campus Committee) that felt we needed a central point of contact,” Burton said, adding Black has strong ties to the Fallon area. “She was delighted to accept the position.”

Bob Clifford, chairman of the Fallon-based ROCCC group, said Black will do a good job.

“It’s great,” said Clifford when hearing of the news. “They are asking what we wanted, and we needed someone in charge in Fallon.”

Burton said Black will report directly to him and be responsible for all campus issues. A search for a new director of Career and Technical Education has begun.

Additionally Burton said Black’s background will also assist the WNC Fallon campus in student counseling during periods of high demand.

“She will be the face of the Fallon campus to Churchill County and a portion of the Lyon County community,” Burton added. “With the potential impact of the Tesla announcement to the region represented by Fallon, Fernley and Silver Springs, as well as other factors, we have great potential for growth in Fallon and we need to position the campus to be prepared to support the opportunities as they occur.”

Black began her career with WNC 27 years ago counseling and assisting students at the Fallon campus. She has a master’s in counseling and educational psychology and a bachelor’s in business from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Furthermore, Black was the 2010-2011 WNC Outstanding Academic Faculty Member; 2005-2006 WNC Instructor/Teacher of the Year; 2002-2003 WNC Instructor/Teacher of the Year; and 1998-1999 Regents Academic Advisor of the Year. She also received the 1994-1995 Regents Outstanding Faculty Award.

Burton said Lori Tiede will remain as the coordinator of Student Services.