Meet the Finalists
Casper College is pleased to announce the final candidates in its search for the next president. After a comprehensive selection process, the Presidential Search Committee has identified three outstanding finalists who will visit the Casper College campus for interviews and community forums.
The community is invited to attend the forums on the Casper College campus as noted below.
Finalist Interview Dates:
- Dr. Brandon Kosine — Friday, March 28, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Walter H. Nolte Gateway Center, Rm. 225.
- Dr. Benjamin Valdez — Tuesday, April 1, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Goodstein Foundation Library classroom, Rm. 215.
- Dr. James Taylor — Thursday, April 3, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Goodstein Foundation Library classroom, Rm. 215.
Dr. Brandon Kosine
Dr. Brandon Kosine currently serves as the Interim President of Casper College, bringing extensive experience in both academic and student affairs administration. Prior to this role, he served as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences, and a psychology instructor at Casper College. Before joining the college in 2012, he held leadership positions at the University of Wyoming (UW), including the Area Coordinator for Leadership Development and Associate Director of the Wyoming Union for leadership programs and campus activities. He also played a key role in developing UW’s minor in leadership studies and taught several leadership courses.
A Wyoming native, Dr. Kosine grew up in Sheridan and holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from UW, a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pittsburg State University in Kansas, and a bachelor of science in psychology from UW. Before transitioning into higher education, he worked as an alcohol and drug counselor at a community mental health center and as a master’s level psychologist in an inpatient psychiatric unit. He is also a licensed professional counselor and addictions therapist in Wyoming.
Dr. Kosine is involved in the community and currently serves on the boards of Advance Casper and the Casper College Foundation. Previously, he chaired the ServeWyoming Commission, served on the board of the Casper Humane Society, and worked with the Special Olympics Festival of Trees fundraiser. He is also a member and past president of Five Trails Rotary. His dedication to student success extends beyond the classroom, as he actively champions service-learning initiatives and student support programs that enhance leadership development, civic engagement, and overall student well-being.
Dr. Kosine remains committed to advancing institutional excellence, fostering academic and professional development, and ensuring Casper College continues to serve our diverse student populations effectively.
Dr. Benjamin Valdez
Dr. Benjamin A. Valdez is a dedicated leader in higher education with over 15 years of experience in academic administration, student success initiatives, and institutional development. As Vice President of Academic Affairs at Southeast Technical College, he has been instrumental in expanding access to education, fostering community partnerships, and implementing innovative programs to enhance student achievement.
Dr. Valdez has a strong background in meeting the community’s workforce development needs, accreditation, and new academic program development. He collaborates closely with community and civic leaders and elected officials to ensure educational programs align with local workforce needs and provide students with meaningful career opportunities. Through these efforts, he has helped institutions grow and adapt to the evolving demands of higher education and regional economic development.
Dr. Valdez holds a Doctorate of Business Administration from California Southern University, an Educational Specialist degree from Liberty University, and dual master’s degrees: a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Education from American InterContinental University.
As a finalist for the presidency of Casper College, Dr. Valdez is committed to building on the institution’s rich history and strengths by empowering faculty and staff and strengthening community partnerships to enhance student success and drive institutional growth.
Dr. James Taylor
Dr. James Y. Taylor is a Vice President for Utah State University and oversees a Statewide Campus System serving 7,400 students with 209 full-time faculty and 30 campuses, including two former community colleges. He is also an Associate Professor of environmental sociology. Prior to system stewardship for the 85,000 square-mile statewide system, he held campus leadership roles, including oversight of campuses with a strong reputation for academic innovation and athletic excellence. Before joining USU, he served as a Dean and Vice President for a community college in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. He also has prior experience as a Provost and then President of a national online college specializing in healthcare and nursing education.
During his professional career, he has helped leadership teams and institutions strategically increase enrollments sustainably, expand diversity, double endowments and partnership support through innovative collaboration with community partners, and expand resources for student support and improved engagement leading to increased retention and graduation rates. He and his campus leadership teams have successfully raised funds to build buildings and expand campuses across the State of Utah, including a new campus in Monument Valley serving the Navajo Nation. He is committed to serving both people and place and values the connection between campus and communities served.