Western Nevada College Faculty Members Awarded Tenure by Regents

On March 5, 2024, the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents approved tenure for two faculty members at Western Nevada College (WNC): education instructor Patrick Bell and English instructor Curtis Kupferschmid. This decision reflects their commitment to academic excellence and their contributions to the college community.

WNC President J. Kyle Dalpe commended both instructors for their dedication to students and the institution’s mission. “Tenure represents a deep and lasting commitment to our students and to academic excellence,” Dalpe stated. He emphasized that both Bell and Kupferschmid embody the qualities that define WNC, noting their impact within the classroom and the broader community.

Bell and Kupferschmid joined Western Nevada College in 2022. They expressed that receiving tenure signifies both a responsibility and an opportunity to enhance their teaching practices. Bell articulated his passion for education, stating, “Becoming a college professor has always been a life goal of mine, and teaching is truly my passion.” He added that earning tenure solidifies his commitment to supporting students and serving the rural communities in which they reside.

Bell holds a Doctor of Philosophy in educational psychology and an Ed.S. in educational leadership from the University of Nevada, Reno. He also earned a Master of Education from San Francisco State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from UNR. Prior to his full-time role at WNC, Bell accumulated over 20 years of experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses as an adjunct faculty member at both UNR and Truckee Meadows Community College.

Kupferschmid described tenure as an opportunity to grow alongside his students. “Tenure means I have the necessary freedom to learn alongside students and bring my perspective on education into the classroom,” he noted. He expressed excitement about experimenting with teaching methods and collaborating with colleagues to enhance educational practices.

Kupferschmid earned his Master of Arts from the University of North Dakota and his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His experience and enthusiasm for teaching underscore the values that WNC aims to instill in its students.

Both faculty members’ achievements not only highlight their individual dedication but also contribute to the mission of Western Nevada College, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment.