Nigel Harrison earned his bachelor's degree in Construction Project Management from WNC. He's now teaching this program at his alma mater.

 

Western Nevada College’s tenure appointees for 2024 followed similar higher education and workplace journeys, and each has served their country.

Nursing Instructor Robert Ciminski and Construction Project Management Instructor Nigel Harrison both enrolled and graduated from WNC, then came back to teach at their alma mater.

Last Thursday, their tenure appointments were approved by the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) regents at a quarterly meeting in Las Vegas.

“Receiving tenure is a tremendous gift and proof that Western Nevada College appreciates my hard work and is willing to invest in me,” Harrison said. “I love Carson City and enjoying the outdoors. Whether it's working in the yard, running or spending time with friends, and, we truly live in the greatest place on Earth. I'm so grateful for this accomplishment and for everyone who has mentored and guided me along the way!”

Ciminski said he doesn’t view tenure as an achievement but a confirmation of his commitment and dedication to the students he teaches.

“I view it as a benchmark, a validation of my commitment to the students that I have the privilege to instruct and lead, and to my fellow faculty,” he said. “I've said before that I view my position as being part of something much bigger and more important than just myself, and I really mean that. I approach each teaching opportunity with this mindset. I don't want to sound ungrateful for being considered for tenure candidacy, or appear like I'm approaching it with a sense of disregard, but the reality is that receiving tenure doesn't change my mindset or commitment.

“But I do hope my current and future students, my community, my co-workers, friends and family see this as a dedication of my commitment to their future, that I am not here for myself but to serve others and to serve them wholeheartedly.”

Tenure at NSHE institutions is based on a multi-layer evaluation process from tenured colleagues and directors.

“Nigel and Robert play very important roles in educating our construction project management and nursing students, respectively,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “They are very deserving of this professional achievement and we are very pleased that our students will continue to benefit from their dedication and professionalism.”

Pre-tenure faculty apply for tenure after at least three years and an excellent teaching rating.

“We appreciate all of their contributions and look forward to working with them during the years to come!” said WNC Faculty Senate Chair Rachelle Bassen. “Their tenure is well-deserved after extensive presentation of their teaching methods, service to the institution and professional development in their portfolios submitted annually.”

Harrison earned a Bachelor's degree in Construction Project Management from WNC and a Master's degree in Education from the University of Nevada, Reno. He has also served in the Nevada Army National Guard for nearly 22 years, with countless hours flying Black Hawks. Harrison is an authorized OSHA trainer in both general industry and construction.

Ciminski graduated from WNC’s nursing program in 2013, then was accepted into Renown's Nursing Telemetry Internship, where he worked in acute care with patients with severe cardiac and cardiac-related problems. Next, Ciminski worked at Renown's Institute for Heart and Vascular Health as an outpatient cardiac nurse for both the Reno and Gardnerville areas. Before his return to WNC to teach nursing students, Ciminski worked for the State of Nevada in public mental health. Prior to going into higher education, Ciminski served his country in the U.S. Navy.