College of Western Idaho Board of Trustees Names Reames as New Board Chair

Published: April 2, 2025

The Board of Trustees of College of Western Idaho (CWI) nominated Jim Reames as the new Board Chair during their meeting in January. Reames brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to advancing the mission of the college and supporting student success.

"I am honored to take on this leadership role and look forward to working with my fellow trustees, faculty, staff, and community partners to ensure that CWI continues to provide high-quality education and workforce development opportunities," said Reames.

Reames has served on the Board of Trustees since 2021 and has played an important role in initiatives that have strengthened academic programs, expanded student resources, and fostered partnerships with local businesses. As Chair, he will focus on enhancing accessibility, promoting innovation, and strengthening community engagement.

"We are excited for Chair Reames to lead the Board as we navigate new opportunities at CWI," said CWI President Gordon Jones.

Additionally, Trustee Nicole Bradshaw accepted the nomination of Vice-Chair and Molly Lenty, after serving her four-year term as Chair, is the Treasurer and Secretary.

During Lenty’s tenure as Chair, the College achieved several milestones, including approval to launch a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Business Administration, progress on campus development projects, hiring current President Gordon Jones, and six consecutive semesters of enrollment growth.

CWI’s Board of Trustees comprises of five volunteers elected at large from within Ada and Canyon Counties for staggered, four-year terms.

More from CWI

Person in the wild looking through binoculars

CWI Biology Natural Resources majors can apply for Pathways Internships with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, gaining hands on experience in wildlife conservation and research across...

Read more about Pathways Internships Offer Hands On Wildlife Experience
Three people with diplomas and in cap and gowns

CWI's 2026 Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Ford Idaho Center on Tuesday, May 19.

Read more about Important Update: 2026 Commencement Date & Venue
Group of people standing on staircase, with two people holding a proclamation

February is Career & Technical Education Month in Idaho! CWI celebrates hands-on learning, workforce partnerships, and student success across its 45 CTE programs.

Read more about CWI Celebrates Career and Technical Education Month
Two people holding an award on stage with black curtain in background

NWCCU honored CWI with the 2025 Beacon Award for its innovative math redesign that improved readiness, equity, and gateway course completion.

Read more about CWI Selected as 2025 NWCCU Beacon Award Recipient
College of Western Idaho building with snow on the ground

CWI locations and services will operate under special hours for the holidays and winter break.

Read more about 2025-2026 Winter Break Hours
College of Western Idaho Campus Development

From Nampa to Boise, CWI’s campus development is moving forward. See what’s new now and what’s opening next.

Read more about Campus Development Update – Fall 2025
Snow at the Nampa Campus Academic Building

With winter weather upon us, CWI crews are working to keep campus locations safe and clear of ice and snow.

Read more about Icy Conditions Safety Tips and Information
Handshake Career Spark Awards 2025 | Powering the Future of Work

Work-Based Learning Center earned the 2025 Handshake Spark Award for connecting students with real-world experience and career opportunities.

Read more about Work-Based Learning Center Honored with 2025 Handshake Spark Award
Three smiling students sit together in a classroom.

Get ready for Spring 2026 at CWI! Registration is now open for all students – continuing, new or returning!

Read more about Spring into Success – Register for Spring 2026
Students in library with text: Zero Textbook Costs. Same Quality Education. | Powered by CWI's Z-Degree.

Since launching in fall 2023, CWI's Z-degree initiative has provided students with an affordable, accessible path to completing their education, saving them more than $2 million in...

Read more about CWI Students Save Over $2 Million Through Z-Degree
Overhead view of the Ford Idaho Center and surrounding area

On Dec. 4, CWI trustees approved transferring the Ford Idaho Center to the College, preserving public events while expanding programs, campus space, and hands-on learning for students.

Read more about Ford Idaho Center Conveyance
Mining Technology students and faculty working in class

CWI received its first-ever National Science Foundation grant to support the new Associate of Science in Mining Technician degree, the first program of its kind in the region.

Read more about College of Western Idaho Awarded $862K National Science Foundation Grant for Mining Technician Program

News QR Code

URL: https://cwi.edu/news/college-western-idaho-board-trustees-names-reames-new-board-chair<br>