Against the backdrop of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) growing Nampa Campus, faculty, staff, and leadership gathered on the Quad Wednesday, Aug. 12, for the Fall 2026 College Address and the start of another academic year.
During his State of the College, CWI President Gordon Jones reflected on the College’s strong momentum, celebrated the growth and elevation taking place across the institution, and looked ahead to CWI’s role in serving a rapidly growing and changing Treasure Valley.
“This is a school I believe that's on the move,” Jones said. “I believe you are part of that story of success. I believe that your work is important, and I believe you're transforming lives.”
For Jones, the setting itself illustrated that momentum.
Speaking in front of the new CapEd Student Success Center (NCSC) for the first time, he pointed to the transformation of the Nampa Campus and the addition of new facilities over the last few years. However, Jones stressed that new buildings and other milestones are not signs CWI has finished growing.
“They don't signal we've arrived,” Jones said. “They signal that we're continuing at what I believe is the beginning of a school's journey.”
That journey, Jones said, has always been connected to the needs of the community.
From providing affordable access to higher education to developing programs that prepare skilled workers for local employers, Jones reflected on CWI’s history as an institution created in response to the needs of the Treasure Valley. As the region continues to grow and workforce needs evolve, he challenged the College to continue listening, adapting, and preparing for what comes next.
Students are increasingly choosing CWI as part of that future. Jones shared that the College now serves more than 34,000 students across its programs, up about 6,000 students four and a half years ago.
“Each year, more students come through these doors because they believe in what this institution can do,” Jones said. “I believe they are entrusting their goals and dreams to each of you.”
Jones also reflected on what he called a “once in a generation opportunity” for the College – with the Ford Idaho Center.
He described CWI’s stewardship of the property as an extension of its community college mission and an opportunity to connect education, workforce development, community events, and future possibilities.
“I believe the Ford Idaho Center, along with the rest of our campus, has the potential to be the front door to opportunity,” Jones said.
As CWI prepares for continued growth, Jones highlighted progress made through the College’s previous Strategic Plan and introduced its refreshed approach for the next few years. Of the previous plan’s measurable Indicators of Achievement, 74% finished near, at, or above established targets.
Among the progress Jones celebrated were 11 consecutive semesters of enrollment growth, with CWI heading into its 12th; a nine-percentage-point increase in full-time student retention over the past three years; and a nine-percent increase in graduation rates over the past three years and 13% over the past six years.
“That happened because of tremendous effort,” Jones said. “It also happened because of deliberate coordination of those efforts.”
Jones highlighted work happening throughout the College, including Open Educational Resources initiatives that have saved CWI students more than $1.9 million in textbook costs; preparations for an upcoming Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities mid-cycle evaluation visit; improvements to institutional data and analytics; continued campus branding and wayfinding; and the successful opening of the NCSC.
CWI’s Advancement team was recognized for exceeding the $30 million goal of the Powering the Treasure Valley campaign, while Jones also looked ahead to expanded recreation and intramural opportunities for students following the hiring of CWI’s inaugural Athletic Director, Mahmood Sheikh.
While much of the Address focused on institutional growth, Jones closed by bringing the conversation back to the people behind that progress.
He encouraged employees to reconnect with their personal “why for CWI” and consider why they chose higher education, why they chose CWI, and how their individual work connects to the College’s larger mission.
Jones shared his own belief that talent and opportunity can be found throughout every community, regardless of zip code or income, and that open-access higher education can provide a doorway for people to transform their futures.
“While we all have a shared North Star, I believe there's plenty of room to have that individual connection we each have with why we're here,” Jones said.
Looking ahead, Jones said he believes CWI could serve close to 50,000 people annually within the next decade – growth that will require the College to continue adapting while remaining focused on its mission.
“Please reconnect with your why,” Jones said. “I can tell you that this is a year I'm excited for. I'm sure we'll be tired, we'll be frustrated at times, but I also hope you have those moments that are special, those interactions that keep you going.”
Prior to Jones’ State of the College, the Fall Address celebrated faculty and staff for their contributions and service to CWI.
Faculty Senate recognized Faculty of Distinction recipients and announced Bachelor of Applied Science - Business Administration Program Coordinator and Associate Professor, Ryan Hanson, as 2026 Faculty of the Year. Staff Senate recognized Staff of the Month recipients and announced Director of Student Retention & Engagement, Amber Eubanks, as 2026 Staff of the Year.
Employees reaching service milestones over the past year were also celebrated, including 44 employees marking five years with CWI, 40 marking 10 years, and 25 marking 15 years.
Vice President of Advancement, Mark Arstein, also recognized employees for their consistent support of the CWI Foundation through the Pillar Award. This year’s recipients were:
- Brenda Moench – Admin Assistant III, Science, Technology & Math
- Heather Holley – Director, Student Support Services
- Samantha Grapes – Assistant Registrar
- Erica Compton – Director, Advising
- Andrea Farner – Assistant Dean, Agricultural Sciences & Assistant Professor, Agriculture
- Mark Westcott – Director, User Services
- Elizabeth Ortiz Dominguez – Coordinator, Registration & Records
- Phyllis Meinhardt – Project Manager II
Following the Address, employees were invited to tour NCSC and connect with colleagues on the Nampa Campus Quad ahead of the new academic year.
“This school's mission, in summary, is ultimately we rally around the idea that we are providing that doorway for affordable, empowering, open access education to this community,” Jones said. “This is why we exist.”
