Congratulations to College of Western Idaho (CWI) Horticulture Technology Instructor, Jared Capell, who has been named Faculty of Distinction for October 2026.
Since joining CWI in August 2025, Capell has shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for plants with students in the Agricultural Sciences Department. He teaches a variety of horticulture courses, including Plant Science (HRTC 110), Greenhouse and Nursery Management (HRTC 208), Plant Propagation and Management (HRTC 108), and Integrated Pest Management (HRTC 255).
For Capell, teaching is an opportunity to share his lifelong interest in plants while helping students understand their importance in everyday life.
"I teach because I am excited about plants and want to share that excitement with others," Capell said.
He believes plants play an important role in nearly every part of human life, from providing food, shelter and oxygen to improving environmental health. Plants also bring beauty to communities and help people express love, friendship and gratitude.
His enthusiasm for teaching and willingness to help students understand challenging concepts have made a lasting impression in the classroom.
"His excitement for the subject matter is matched with his preparation," one student shared.
Students benefit from Capell's flexible teaching style, which encourages questions and exploration beyond the planned lesson. Whether using examples of insects, flowers, soil or videos, he takes time to explain concepts in different ways to help students understand the material.
"Lecturing is not the goal, facilitating learning is what I think is his goal," the student wrote.
That approach extends into the lab, where Capell makes himself available to answer questions, offer advice and help students work through challenges.
Capell brings more than a decade of professional horticulture experience to the classroom, having worked in nursery operations, estate gardening, arboriculture and greenhouse management. Before joining CWI, he spent three years teaching ornamental horticulture at Ridgevue High School in Nampa, where he also managed the school's instructional greenhouse.
Capell earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in pre-physical therapy from Utah State University, where he also studied horticulture and Spanish.
At CWI, Capell draws on that experience to connect classroom lessons with practical skills students can use in the workforce.
"CWI empowers students to learn by doing," Capell said.
In his Plant Propagation course, for example, students first learn the science behind how plants develop roots from cuttings. They then apply that knowledge in the greenhouse, using techniques that reflect commercial horticulture practices.
One student shared how Capell's teaching has changed the way they see plants beyond the classroom. Rather than simply noticing greenery, they now find themselves identifying plants, examining their health and applying what they have learned.
"The greatest success in his class is not the grade I will receive," the student wrote.
Capell also values CWI's connection to local industries and employers. He believes the College's focus on the Treasure Valley helps students gain relevant skills and prepare for career opportunities close to home.
"CWI is a great place for students to get an education because it is local and adapted to local industry, local economic conditions, and local job markets," Capell said.
One experience that stands out for Capell is a project connecting classroom learning with environmental restoration in the Treasure Valley.
Through a partnership with the Nampa Meridian Irrigation District, students in Capell's Greenhouse and Nursery Management course propagated dozens of black cottonwood trees to help restore an area along the Boise River affected by a diversion dam replacement project.
The trees are scheduled to be planted in October 2027, helping restore native vegetation in the river's riparian zone.
"I'm delighted to be part of any process that restores, preserves, or enhances wildlife habitat or the natural areas we all depend on," Capell said.
Capell's interest in plants began during his childhood in the rainforests of northwestern Washington, where he enjoyed identifying different species and learning about their characteristics and uses. After moving to Idaho, that curiosity grew into a lasting interest in ornamental landscape plants.
Outside the classroom, Capell continues to explore his interest in plants. He enjoys hiking and studying native plants in the Boise foothills, road biking along the Greenbelt, and gardening.
An avid gardener, he also works on several personal plant breeding projects. His current efforts include developing disease- and insect-resistant Hippeastrum varieties and fragrant, heat-tolerant roses suited for cut flower production in southwest Idaho's challenging climate.
