College Overview

Welcome to Western

Choosing a college is an important decision, and I'm honored you're considering Western Technical College as part of your journey.

What has impressed me most about Western is the people. From the moment I began meeting with students, co-workers, Board members, employers, and community partners, I saw a college deeply committed to helping people succeed. That commitment is reflected in everything we do.

At Western, you'll find more than quality education. You'll find people who care about your goals and are invested in helping you reach them. Whether you're preparing for your first career, building new skills, transferring to a university, or returning to college after time away, you'll be supported by knowledgeable faculty and staff who are dedicated to your success.

As a technical college, we have a unique responsibility to serve both our students and our communities. We work closely with employers to ensure our programs prepare graduates for today's workforce while remaining responsive to tomorrow's opportunities. Every program is shaped by industry partnerships that help keep our curriculum relevant, practical, and connected to real careers.

Western has a strong foundation built by generations of students, employees, alumni, and community partners. As president, I believe our future is built the same way: by listening, learning, and working together to create opportunities that enhance lives, businesses, and communities throughout our region.

Whether you're exploring your options, beginning a new chapter, or considering a career with Western, I'm glad you're here. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals and welcoming you to the Western community.

You belong here.

Kirk Bennett
President
Western Technical College

Check out our viewbook (PDF)

About Western

Our Mission

Western Technical College provides relevant, high quality education, in a collaborative and sustainable environment that changes the lives of students and grows our communities.

Our Vision

Western Technical College is the college of first choice in our region.

Our Values

We value the success of our students and hold ourselves accountable for providing excellence in student learning, based on the diverse needs of each student and built on a foundation of integrity, teamwork, and respect.

Learning
Excellence
Accountability
Diversity
Student Success
Teamwork
Integrity
Respect

Western strives to create a culture where people feel empowered to make a difference; where we are passionate about collaboration and student success; where we take equitable actions that respect our differences; and where we serve students, partners, communities, and each other from a place of unconditional positive regard.

In September 2018, Western announced the launch of a new college-wide strategic plan, Experience 2025, aimed at improving overall student success. For 2026-2027, we are extending and expanding the important work of this plan to reach these success goals. At Western, student success means the college is student-ready. It means that all employees have the commitment and the capability to serve greater numbers of traditionally underserved students.

The plan was developed with input from Western staff, students, and local employers. It builds upon the previous plan, Vision 2020, which included a $79.8 million referendum to create facilities that represent current and future work environments. With updated facilities, our focus is shifting to the student experience.

Learn more about Experience 2027

Achieving the Dream Leader College Graphic

What is Achieving the Dream?

Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a national resource network that helps two-year colleges implement innovative, research-based best practices in order to accelerate student success.

The initiative focuses on student groups that face the most significant barriers to success. ATD is committed to using student success data to help make decisions. For more information about the initiative, visit the national Achieving the Dream website.

Western joined ATD in 2014 and assembled a core team to begin the planning process and set our priorities.

In 2026, Western was designated a Leader College of Distinction by ATD, a prestigious award reflecting its commitment by faculty and staff that every student belongs and has the opportunity to be successful.

In 2007, Western signed the American College and University President's Climate Commitment to sharply reduce and eventually eliminate all of the college's global warming emissions. This act set into motion a district-wide effort to become a leader in reversing global warming.

Since that time, Western has implemented energy-saving initiatives that have not only helped the environment, but have saved the college $1 million and counting! Western has received local, state, and national recognition, and has become a resource for organizations that are looking to make sustainable choices as well.

In January 2016, Western renewed the original Climate Commitment and expanded it to include efforts on environmental resiliency.

Learn more about Western's sustainability efforts

Every program at Western relies on an advisory committee to help ensure students receive the essential experience and skills needed to succeed in their occupations. Hundreds of local employers serve on these committees to provide us with insight that keeps our curriculum relevant to the workforce and meaningful to our students.

View our advisory committee handbook (PDF)

The La Crosse area offers outstanding recreation, world-class health care, a growing economy, and a community that values and supports higher education. Below are some useful links that will help you learn more about the community Western serves:

College Overview

Our Mission

Our Vision

Our Values

Get in Touch

Main Campus Address