WNC Faculty Members Earn Tenure from NSHE Board of Regents

Western Nevada College News

Western Nevada CollegeEducation Instructor Dr. Patrick Bell and English Instructor Curtis Kupferschmid have been awarded tenure following approval by the Nevada System of Higher EducationBoard of Regents at its quarterly meeting Thursday in Las Vegas.

Tenure within the Nevada System of Higher Education is granted through a rigorous, multi-layered evaluation process conducted by tenured faculty peers and academic leadership. The distinction recognizes sustained excellence in teaching, service and professional development, while affirming a long-term commitment to student success.

WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpepraised both faculty members for their dedication to the college and its mission.

Curtis Kupferschmid Dr. Patrick Bell

"Tenure represents a deep and lasting commitment to our students and to academic excellence," Dr. Dalpe said. "Dr. Bell and Professor Kupferschmid embody the dedication, innovation and student-centered focus that defines Western Nevada College. We are proud of their accomplishments and grateful for the impact they make in our classrooms and communities every day."

Dr. Bell and Professor Kupferschmid joined WNC in 2022 and say the milestone represents both responsibility and opportunity.

"Becoming a college professor has always been a life goal of mine, and teaching is truly my passion," Dr. Bell said. "Earning tenure confirms my commitment to our students and to serving the rural communities we call home."

He added, "What I value most about teaching at Western Nevada College is the opportunity to prepare future educators who will return to and strengthen these communities. Supporting students as they grow into confident, capable professionals is the most meaningful part of my work, and I am grateful to continue that mission."

Dr. Bell earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology and his Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from the University of Nevada, Reno. He also holds a Master of Education from San Francisco State Universityand a Bachelor of Arts in Education from UNR. Prior to joining WNC as a full-time instructor, Dr. Bell taught undergraduate and graduate courses for more than 20 years as an adjunct faculty member for UNR and Truckee Meadows Community College.

Professor Kupferschmid said tenure represents the freedom to continue growing as an educator alongside his students.

"Tenure means I have the necessary freedom to learn alongside students and bring my perspective on education into the classroom," Kupferschmid said. "I'm thrilled to get to experiment with teaching, write about it, and share with my fellow teachers and to learn from them as well."

Kupferschmid earned his Master of Arts from the University of North Dakotaand his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

With tenure now secured, both faculty members look forward to continuing their work in the classroom and strengthening WNC's commitment to serving students and communities across western Nevada.