Truckee Meadows Community College

Truckee Meadows Community College

Type	Public community college
Established	1971 (1971)
Parent institution	Nevada System of Higher Education
Academic affiliations	Space-grant
President	Dr. Karin Hilgersom
Students	11,849
Location	Reno , Nevada , United States
Colors	Black & Green
Nickname	Lizard
Mascots	Wizard the Lizard and Mighty the Lizard
Website	www.tmcc.edu

Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) is a public community college and technical college located in the Truckee Meadows region of Reno, Nevada. TMCC is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) and serves residents of Reno, Sparks, and the surrounding communities. The college offers academic, technical, and vocational programs that lead to certificates, associate degrees, and select bachelor’s degrees.

History

TMCC was established in 1971 as a branch of Western Nevada Community College, before becoming an independent institution in 1979. Its name reflects the Truckee Meadows region it serves. The college initially operated out of leased facilities before developing its flagship campus on Dandini Boulevard.

Over the decades, TMCC has significantly expanded its facilities and program offerings. The college began offering bachelor's degrees in applied science in 2015, a significant milestone in its evolution from a two-year to a more comprehensive institution.

Campus and Centers

• Dandini Campus: Main academic campus and administrative offices.
• William N. Pennington Applied Technology Center: Focused on career and technical education.
• Meadowood Center: Hosts continuing education and business training.
• William N. Pennington Health Science Center: Supporting nursing and health sciences programs.

Each location is designed to serve commuter students with flexible scheduling and online learning options.

Academics

TMCC offers over 70 degree and certificate programs, including:

• Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees
• Certificates of Achievement and Skills Certificates
• Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees in:
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security
  • Logistics Operations Management

Academic divisions include:

• Applied Technology
• Business and Social Sciences
• Computer, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences
• Liberal Arts
• Life Sciences, Allied Health and Public Safety

TMCC is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and maintains articulation agreements with University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and other NSHE institutions, enabling seamless transfer pathways.

Student Life and Athletics

Though primarily a commuter college, TMCC offers student clubs, leadership opportunities, and campus events. The Student Government Association (SGA) coordinates student engagement, activities, and advocacy.

Athletically, TMCC is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I, Region XVIII. The college fields:

• Men’s and Women’s Soccer, launched in 2019

Athletic programs are designed to support student-athletes' academic and professional goals, including opportunities for transfer to four-year universities and international competition.

Community and Economic Development

TMCC supports workforce development through:

• Custom training for local industries
• Adult basic education and English as a Second Language (ESL)
• TMCC Workforce Development and Community Education programs
• Partnerships with regional employers and economic councils

The college plays a key role in Northern Nevada’s economic diversification through training in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, cybersecurity, and logistics.

Notable Initiatives and Partnerships

• TMCC High School: A partnership with Washoe County School District that allows students to earn college credit while completing high school
• Jump Start Dual Credit Program: Allows Nevada high school students to take college-level courses
• Advanced Manufacturing Training supported by regional employers like Tesla and Panasonic
• TMCC is also a Space Grant Consortium member, promoting STEM education through NASA-supported initiatives

External links

• Official website