Congratulations to Tami Ankeny, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for May 2021. Ankeny is a Student Success Advisor for Enrollment and Student Services and has been with the College since 2019.
“I have spent much of my professional career in higher education,” Ankeny said. I love being in an academic setting and being a part of the growth and transformation students experience during college. CWI offered me the opportunity to do that in a new way as an advisor and in a new setting as a part of the community college model with a more diverse student demographic.”
As a Student Success Advisor, Ankeny provided support, guidance, and advocacy in order to help students reach their academic and professional goals.
“During my short time here, I have found CWI to be student-centric and innovative with a distinct mission that seeks to provide the best possible services to meet the individual needs of students. In Enrollment and Student Services we operate with a ‘one student at a time’ philosophy. This mentality helps me remember each student’s story and experience is essential to understand and take into consideration as I advise and support them.”
In addition to helping students and celebrating their achievements, Ankeny is also proud of her work with the College’s Culture and Employee Engagement Committee creating Employee Wellness Challenges.
“Tami has been going above and beyond this past year to create a series of monthly health challenges for employees,” said Courtney Santillan, Dean of Social Sciences and Public Affairs. “The high level of results are a testament to her expertise and deep passion for helping others succeed. What started as an idea has become a true outlet for so many as we find ourselves working in solitary situations. Tami's efforts have created a way for so many of use to engage in something positive and keep ourselves healthy! She has done a TON of work and we applaud her for this level of dedication.”
Ankeny grew up on a farm outside of Homedale, Idaho. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation from Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, she spent 20 years in Portland, Oregon, before moving back to Idaho to be closer to family. Much of her spare time revolves around planning her next outdoor excursion – the next of which she has left her position at CWI to pursue.
“Over the past two years, I have been working on my pre-requisites for an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This past spring, I began applying for programs. I am still waiting to hear back from some of my top choices of schools, so until we know more, my partner and I have decided to hike the Idaho Centennial Trail this summer. It is definitely bittersweet to be leaving CWI, but I am excited about my future endeavors!”
