CWI Board Names Aberle-Cannata Interim President

Published: May 13, 2021

College of Western Idaho (CWI) Board of Trustees voted unanimously during their meeting on Thursday, May 13, to appoint Provost Denise Aberle-Cannata as CWI’s Interim President effective May 16.

The appointment of Aberle-Cannata will ensure the uninterrupted operation of the College as the search process continues for the next President of CWI. 

“Interim President Aberle-Cannata has experience in several roles and settings which has provided her with a valuable understanding of higher education ranging from operations to instruction,” said Chair Molly Lenty. “She is an extremely capable leader with deep institutional credibility that will serve CWI and our students well.”

Aberle-Cannata is committed to advancing a culture of care for students, faculty, and staff while serving the community.

“I am honored and humbled to serve,” said Aberle-Cannata. “CWI is a special place and I know that all of us are committed to continuing to support our students, our faculty and staff, and our communities as we work towards welcoming a new president in the future. It will be very much a team effort as my fellow cabinet colleagues will continue to play a pivotal role as we engage in all the areas and aspects involving CWI.” 

CWI Board of Trustees chose Summit Search Solutions to assist with the search process. Focus groups are being established to help provide input on the president profile, and individuals are being selected to participate on the search committee.

Visit CWI’s Presidential Search webpage to learn more about the process and to attend the Business and Community focus group on May 21.

More from CWI

Several awards sit on top of a black table cloth

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Student Leadership Awards, recognizing students, clubs, programs, and advisors for their contributions to campus and the community.

Read more about Nominations Open for 2027 Student Leadership Awards
Connections Conference 2026 Logo (square)

CWI students are invited to design the 2027 Connections Conference logo! Submit entries by Nov. 20 for a chance to win $300.

Read more about Enter the 2027 Connections Conference Logo Contest
Surgical Technology students in the lab

Health Science students can explore healthcare programs, meet local employers, and learn about transfer opportunities during Healthcare Discovery Night on Oct. 5

Read more about Discover Healthcare Careers
Rows of people sit in front of tables, while watching speaker

Hosted by Agricultural Sciences department, the event will feature a five-course meal with produce grown in CWI’s Urban Market Garden and specialties from local partners.

Read more about Farm to Fork is Back!
Hands pulling an object out of the dirt

CWI is co-sponsoring this year’s conference, which will bring together members of Idaho’s archaeological community to share research, discuss developments in the field, and build...

Read more about Idaho Archaeological Society Annual Conference Comes to CWI
Shirts, sweaters, cups on display at Bookstore

The Bookstore will move to its new home in the Nampa Campus CapEd Student Success Center. To prepare for the move, the Bookstore will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 8, through Wednesday, Sept...

Read more about Bookstore Moving to CapEd Student Success Center
Brooke Garman standing near Otter wall

College of Western Idaho is pleased to announce the appointment of Brooke Garman as Athletics Operations Coordinator.

Read more about Garman Named Athletics Operations Coordinator
CWI Sixth Cohort in CWI Classroom space

CWI and Micron celebrated a major workforce milestone with the opening of Micron’s Boise Training Center and the launch of its largest local apprentice cohort.

Read more about CWI Celebrates New Micron Training Center and Welcomes Sixth Apprenticeship Cohort
Group of people cut ribbon to new building

The College's new Nampa Campus CapEd Student Success Center puts academic resources, student services, and spaces to connect all in one place.

Read more about CWI Celebrates Grand Opening of CapEd Student Success Center
Exterior view of Nampa Campus Quad including the CapEd Student Success Center and Academic Building

CWI invites the community to help shape the future of its Nampa Campus during two Master Plan open houses Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Read more about CWI Invites Community to Help Shape Nampa Campus
Instructor and student work on HVAC unit in lab

Join us to explore in-demand careers and training available through Workforce Development's Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing Apprenticeship programs.

Read more about Fall 2026 Apprenticeship Open House

News QR Code

URL: https://cwi.edu/news/cwi-board-names-aberle-cannata-interim-president<br>