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Williston State College reports rising enrollment, outlines new programs and campus projects
Summary
Williston State College president Bernell Hirning told the City Commission that fall enrollment is 1,058 students (freshman class 724, up 12%), and the college has 11 programs in development and capital projects including a Health Care building slated to open in November 2025.
Williston State College President Dr. Bernell Hirning told the City Commission on Oct. 22 that the college’s fall headcount is 1,058 students, with a freshman class of 724 (a 12% increase), sophomore enrollment up 25% and dual-credit students up 26%.
Hirning provided an update on campus construction: turf for the baseball field is in place though installation of the fence, grandstand, press box and lights remains; softball-field work may run past mid-November; and a Health Care building is on track to open in November 2025 with basement and elevator shafts complete and structural beams arriving soon. He also said the college is developing 11 new programs — five new bachelor’s programs and six new associate programs — and plans to add a Digital Stenography program once approvals and equipment are in place.
Hirning credited recruitment efforts for the rise in enrollment and thanked project leads, including Hunter Berg, for work on athletic facility projects. He said about 75% of the 1,058 students are from Williams County, roughly 125 from Montana and about 25–30 from Canada. Some of the new academic programs will be available as early as next fall; others needing equipment are expected to launch in 2026.
