Northwest College is in discussions with Montana State University Billings to look for partnership opportunities.

According to an NWC statement, MSU-B leaders visited the NWC campus last month to discuss “natural pathways” to and from the two institutions.

“We’re excited about the possibility of future collaborations with MSU Billings,” said NWC President Stefani Hicswa. “Finding the best opportunities to help prepare our students for their future is what we’re about.”

Hicswa said the discussions began over ways NWC students could transfer more easily to MSU-B. In the course of those talks, a broader discussion developed about other ways in which NWC offerings — especially in science and engineering — may be able to expand MSU-B’s curriculum as well.

Less than two hours away, MSU Billings is the closest four-year institution to communities in the Big Horn Basin. For transfering NWC students who want to continue their education, but not relocate to schools further away — such as the University of Wyoming — MSU-B could be an attractive option, Hicswa explained.

“Since we are only 90 miles from Billings, it makes sense to work more closely,” the president said.

The Montana school’s online, business and education offerings line up well with those at NWC, Hicswa added, being among the larger programs NWC currently has. 

“We look forward to growing our partnership with Northwest College and bridging the gap between our students’ needs,” MSU Billings Chancellor Dan Edelman said in a statement. “Providing our students with additional and unique opportunities will set them up for a greater level of success.”

While specifics are still being determined, Hicswa said NWC could begin partnership programing with MSU-B as early as next fall.

She said the two schools have had a good relationship for years, and it makes sense to take that partnership to “the next level.”

(Tribune News Editor Kevin Killough contributed reporting.)