History of TMCC

In 1969, the community college system was established by the Nevada State Legislature. In 1971, Governor Mike O'Callaghan dedicated Western Nevada Community College as one of three community colleges in the Community College Division of the Nevada System of Higher Education. In its infancy, Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) operated under the name of Western Nevada Community College. The parent campus was located in Carson City. Stead Air Base housed a secondary campus serving predominantly the greater Reno-Sparks area. Both campuses had their own student organizations, faculty senates, and administrative organizations.

In addition to Stead Air Base, space for registration and classrooms was provided by the Washoe County Schools. The first of the multi-phases of construction for a campus on Dandini Boulevard in Reno was completed in 1976. The Dandini Campus became the central hub for the staff, programs and students.

In 1979, the Board of Regents split Western Nevada Community College and established Truckee Meadows Community College. TMCC became the fourth community college within the Nevada System of Higher Education.

Starting in the 1980s, the student demand for courses and programs created a need for more facilities. In addition to expanding the Dandini Campus, the college established the IGT Applied Technology Center (March 1999), Meadowood Center (February 2003), the Nell J. Redfield Foundation Performing Arts Center (September 2003), and the TMCC High Tech Center at Redfield (September 2005).