White Earth Tribal and Community College (WETCC) was established on September 9, 1997, by the White Earth Tribal Council per Tribal Resolution #038-97-005. On October 7, 1997, in a two-room humble building in downtown Mahnomen, Minnesota the White Earth Tribal and Community College opened its doors to 14 tribal students. WETCC continued to grow over the years and as additional classes were added, various buildings in downtown Mahnomen were used to house classrooms.
Established as a not-for-profit tribally controlled educational institution of higher learning, the first Charter was approved on February 5, 1998 “…to provide adult education and post-secondary educational services to enrolled members of the White Earth Reservation and to other eligible [indigenous] and non-[indigenous] residents of the area…”
The first graduation was held on May 25, 2000, for students who completed certificate programs. In 2000, the college was recognized as a legal organization with the State of Minnesota, and the college was granted a Certificate of Incorporation. Official non-profit 501(c)3 status was obtained in 2001.
Initial Candidacy for Accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission was granted on October 14, 2004, with full accreditation granted on October 8, 2008. In 2010, Phase I construction was completed at 2250 College Road. The Drum Hall was added in 2012. The location continued to grow through 2016 when construction phase III was completed and all students, faculty, and staff were finally located on one campus – greatly enhancing the ability of faculty and staff to serve students.
WETCC is governed by an independent Board of Trustees (BOT) who abide by their approved Bylaws and Charter. The BOT consists of 7 voting members and 2 non-voting members who represent the collective voice of the community as it translates needs and expectations into the policies of the College.
The BOT oversee the following functions: fulfilling fiduciary duties such as executing institutional policies, approving budgets, and setting overall strategic direction, fundraising, approve new program curriculum, and partners with the president to achieve the mission, sustain core operations, and attain the strategic priorities of the institution.
