Nicolet College History
Nicolet College is a public community college serving Northern Wisconsin from its campus situated along Lake Julia south of Rhinelander, and from outreach centers located within the Nicolet District. The College offers one- and two-year career
diplomas and degrees, liberal arts university transfer studies, and a comprehensive continuing education program.
The Creation of Nicolet College
Created in 1967 as a pilot community college, Nicolet was destined to be unique in Wisconsin. In a state with University of Wisconsin branch campuses and separately administered technical colleges, Nicolet’s mission is to combine the two functions and offer a comprehensive educational program incorporating occupational education, liberal arts studies, and community education offerings. In its short history it has persisted in removing artificial barriers between what traditionally have been identified as academic and vocational. The total curriculum is open to all members of the Nicolet learning community. Students develop programs to meet individual educational and occupational goals.
Counties Nicolet College Serves
The Nicolet District is comprised of all of Oneida, Vilas, and Forest counties, and portions of Iron, Lincoln, and Langlade counties. The District presently includes approximately 4,000 square miles with a population of 83,300 persons. Nicolet currently serves more than 1,600 students each semester with offerings in vocational-technical and liberal arts and approximately 10,000 in community education, trade extension, and apprenticeship programs.
Governing Agencies
The governing agency for the College is the Nicolet Board. The institution is under the general jurisdiction of the Wisconsin Technical College System. Nicolet is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (formerly North Central Association of Colleges and Schools). The Higher Learning Commission, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504. Phone: 800-621-7440.