New WNC Policy Helps Military Personnel Hasten Earning College Degree

Courtesy of the WNC Public Relations -- Clifton Bullock’s extended service to his country put some of his educational goals on hold. Now, because of a new policy at Western Nevada, Bullock will be rewarded with college credit for his military service, expediting his goal of realizing an associate degree and applying for admission into nursing school. “My son also applied his Air Force transcript to his associate degree,” said WNC Fallon Campus and Rural Outreach Director Holly O’Toole. “As both of my sons are veterans, I am immensely glad to offer this program at WNC. I am so proud of Cliff. He has worked hard for his degree!” Through his U.S. Navy transcript WNC has granted Bullock 45 credits toward an Associate of General Studies degree. “I’m relieved that my previous military and college experiences were not a waste,” Bullock said. “I’m accomplishing a goal that I originally tried to complete in the early ’90s.” As a result, in May, Bullock will become the first WNC graduate under the college’s new program to assist military personnel earn degrees. Individuals may transfer up to 45 credits from their Joint Services transcript toward an AGS degree. “Although credits can apply toward other WNC degrees, in most cases, more can be applied toward the AGS degree because of its flexibility, so we are encouraging the AGS degree,” said WNC Interim Dean of Student Services and Registrar Dianne Hilliard. Bullock served his country for 20 years in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman — a medical assistant to doctors. His interest in the medical field hasn’t waned now that he is longer in the Navy. “I'm going to apply for the Nursing program so I had to complete certain classes, but when applying for jobs I can say that I have a degree,” he said. To take advantage of this opportunity, military personnel must submit their official Joint Services Transcript to the Admissions Office at WNC for transcript evaluation. Because of his own experiences with gaining college credit for his two decades of service in the Navy, Bullock said he will be letting others in the military know about WNC’s new military credit policy.   Support local, independent news – contribute to The Fallon Post, your non-profit (501c3) online news source for all things Fallon. Never miss the local news -- read more on The Fallon Post home page. Sign up to receive updates and the Friday File email notices.